Is there a minimum amount of time I am required to rent?
Yes. There is a four-hour minimum. You need to rent at least for four hours.
Is there a required deposit?
Yes. A refundable deposit of $500 is required to book your event date. It is part of your upfront costs, IN ADDITION TO YOUR RENTAL COSTS. After your event, this deposit is returned to you via business check, minus any damages or overages.
How do I book an event date?
A $500 refundable security deposit is required to book, along with a signed rental agreement and liability waiver which can be completed here at our office. Please call or write back if you have other questions or would like to schedule a time to meet. Please note that all dates are first come, first serve. We cannot guarantee your date until you have secured it with a damage deposit and signed rental agreement documents.
What spaces do you have? What are the rates for renting?
Space at the Lourie Center is configurable, meaning that we can accommodate between 10 and 300 people simply by opening or closing walls between rooms.
- Ballroom I rents for $125 per hour (Mon.-Thurs.) $150 per hour (Fri.-Sun.). It is a 1600 square foot room, with cathedral ceilings, wood laminate floors, views of Maxcy Gregg Park, a 20-70 person capacity space.
- Ballroom II rents for $150 per hour (Mon.-Thurs.) $175 per hour (Fri.-Sun.). It is a lovely 2400 square foot room, with cathedral ceilings, wood laminate floors, views of Maxcy Gregg Park, a 70-120 person capacity space (in a banquet-style set up).
- The Large Ballroom (Ballroom I + Ballroom II) rents by the hour at the rate of $ 250 per hour (Mon.-Thurs.) $275 per hour (Fri.-Sun.). It is a 4000 square foot room, with cathedral ceilings, wood laminate floors, views of Maxcy Gregg Park, a 200-250 person capacity space.
- The Grand Ballroom is all of our space opened up (See floor plan: ABC, BR1, BR2, DEF). It rents by the hour at the rate of $ 400 (Mon.-Thurs.) $425 per hour (Fri.-Sun.). It is a 6400 square foot room, with cathedral ceilings, wood laminate floors, carpeted classrooms on either end, views of Maxcy Gregg Park, a 325 person maximum capacity space.
Carpeted classrooms with standard dropped nine foot ceilings are on either end of the building. Classrooms are available in single, double or triple size. Classroom space is configurable; They have movable walls and can seat 20, 40 , or 50 people in a party/banquet style set up.
- Single size classroom – $75 per hour per hour (Mon.-Thurs.) $100 per hour (Fri.-Sun.)- approximately 450 square feet
- Double size classrooms- $100 per hour per hour (Mon.-Thurs.) $125 per hour (Fri.-Sun.)- approximately 900 square feet
- Triple size classrooms- $125 per hour per hour (Mon.-Thurs.) $150 per hour (Fri.-Sun.)- approximately 1200 square feet
Click here for a floor plan of Lourie Center space.
What is included with my space rental?
SET UP TIME- Events of at least four hours are provided one hour at no cost for load-in and decorating. This is specifically the one hour immediately prior to your contracted (paid) time. Additional decorating time can be added at the standard room rate. Ask the Rental Coordinator for additional options for set ups in excess of two hours.
FURNITURE- A basic set up of tables and chairs, six-foot rectangular tables (will seat six comfortably) and upholstered chairs. Ten five-foot diameter round tables are available for rental at $10 each. Additional furniture can be rented and distributed from a local party supplier. *Keep in mind that capacity estimates above are for a typical banquet/party-style set up with the rectangular tables provided by the Lourie Center. Room capacity is often reduced when round tables or extra-large open spaces (like dance floors) are included in the set up.
USE OF KITCHEN- Basic use of our large catering kitchen for basic food preparation, use of appliances, serving carts, ice machine, etc.
CLEAN UP- We clean up afterwards. You just take your decorations, gifts, supplies, and we will sweep up and take out the trash!
Are there any additional charges added on?
$20 Non-refundable Administrative Fee is charged for all event contracts.
Optional- $200, Stage set-up. 8’ x 24’ stage, recommended for Large Ballroom and Grand Ballroom only.
Optional- $150 fee if you are providing any kind of alcohol to your guests.
Optional- We do negotiate a discounted block of decorating time for larger, more elaborate events; The hourly rate is charged for the time you occupy the space.
SECURITY- Any party over 100 serving alcohol may be required to compensate the Lourie Center for two off-duty police officers ($70 per hour includes two officers)
What is NOT included with my space rental?
You are responsible for décor (no tape or nails in the walls, please), securing your own vendors- caterers, servers, musicians, etc. We do not have catering services at our site, but you are welcome to provide catering of your own choosing.
Would I be able to come look at the space before booking?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to visit the center and tour the space before booking. For out of town clients or those unable to to stop by, contact our office for remote options.
May I bring my own alcohol?
Yes. $150 fee applies if you or your catering service are providing any alcohol to your guests. All guests consuming alcohol must be 21 and older, of course.
Will there be anyone from the Lourie Center available during my event?
Yes! A Lourie Center associate is scheduled for the times before, during, and after your event. They will attend to any building related issues, spills, bathrooms, supervision of building traffic. Events which take place on or after 6 pm are required to add additional security, which the Rentals Coordinator can assist with reserving through CPD.
What audio/visual equipment is available?
On request, a basic PA audio set up-microphone is available at no extra charge for public address. On request, a portable screen is available. Ballroom II has a built-in screen. A digital projector and laptop (suitable for a PowerPoint, video or slideshow) is available for a $30 fee. We can offer you the use of our floor lectern/podium, on request, at no extra charge.
Can I use your PA system for party music?
Very low-level, background style music can be channeled through our PA system. High-volume party music will require a DJ with specialized speakers and equipment, not included. Loud volumes of music will damage our equipment and could result in additional charges.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Unlocked Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
What are the tables and chairs like?
Our table are standard six-foot rectangular tables (72″ x 29″) which can seat up to six people comfortably. Our chairs are a patinaed brass-colored steel frame with dark blue upholstered seats. We do have ten, five-foot diameter round tables (seat up to eight) available for rent at $10 each.
Do you have round tables?
Ten five-foot diameter round tables are available for rental at $10 each. They will seat eight people comfortably. Additional special event furniture can be rented and distributed from a local supplier. *Keep in mind that capacity estimates above are for the rectangular tables provide by the Lourie Center. Room capacity is often reduced when round tables are included in the set up.
What about decorating time?
On request, we can provide one hour at no extra charge prior to your contracted time for any decorating or set up. For example, if your contracted times are 5 pm – 11 pm. Your room will be ready for you to enter at 5 pm for decorating. If you require additional time for set up, please add that time into your contract.
What about my caterer? They want to come earlier than my contracted time.
Early load-in times for the kitchen are available on request, given that it is during normal operating hours of the center AND that there is not another event taking place utilizing the kitchen.
Do you require that I use a particular caterer?
No. You are free to choose your own food service. We do require that your catering services carry liability insurance.
Can I have a family member do my catering?
Yes. In this instance we suggest that they inquire with their homeowners insurance for liability coverage.
Can I serve alcohol?
We do allow 21 years-and-older guests to be served alcohol. A $150 fee is charged. If you are charging money or selling tickets for alcohol, normal liquor license requirements apply through the City of Columbia. ABL900_10222014
How many parking spaces do you have?
Free parking is available, up to 150 spaces. Our dedicated upper lot holds 54 vehicles, the shared pool/lower lot holds 53 vehicles, and the adjacent Garden Club lot can be accessed for larger events adding 43 spaces for a total of 150 parking spaces.
What about clean up?
Our staff person will see to the basic clean-up (sweeping/mopping floors and taking out the trash) after your event; All guests and vendors should clear their tables, load out decor, supplies, service equipment and vacate the entire space before or by your contracted time. Excessive load-out times could result in overage charges.
Is it possible to use Maxcy Gregg Park or Pool?
The adjacent park and pool are operated by City of Columbia Parks and Rec. For park or city facility rental information call Pearl Osborne at 545-3101.
