Historic Grand Rapids venue gets new life for concerts, film, community space
Under new management by The Penny Loafer, the building at 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE in downtown Grand Rapids, officially reopened on Aug. 5 and aims to become “a vibrant community hub.”
When The Soods hosted a candle-lit acoustic concert at The Lit on Oct. 11, it signaled a new era for what once was Grand Rapids’ Ladies Literary Club.
Under new management by The Penny Loafer, the building at 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE in downtown Grand Rapids, officially reopened on Aug. 5 and aims to become “a vibrant community hub” with concerts and comedy nights, yoga classes, film screenings, study space and lounge area.
Jason Roy and Elroy Meltzer of Grand Rapids’ The Soods performed as a duo during the weekend show as part of The Lit’s re-launch, with DJ and saxophonist Zalokar also starting to host Wednesday performances inside The Lit’s “Parlor.”
It’s another chapter in the building’s vibrant legacy.
Built in 1887, Grand Rapids’ Ladies Literary Club started as a clubhouse to promote literary and scientific subjects as well as women’s fellowship.
As the years went on, it became a 400-capacity concert venue and underwent $1 million worth of improvements after Calvin College — now Calvin University — acquired the building in 2006. Calvin later sold it to Rye Venue Management, which was forced to close its doors after the COVID pandemic.
The Penny Loafer LLC, led by Penny Hock, took over operation of the building this summer to revitalize it as a community space and cafe, making some decor updates. The Penny Loafer also serves as an “event planning and service” business.
“We are shifting away from weddings only and returning it to a space for the community. We are hosting concerts, mic night, comedy night, storytelling, poetry readings, swing dancers, yoga, paint and sip, Mayor’s Mondays, nonprofit fundraisers, high school prom and more,” Hock told Local Spins.
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“Literally anything that the community needs at an affordable rate. This brings it back to the intent of the Ladies Literary Club, who invited all people through their doors to experience the culture that our own community has to offer. We give historic tours, we have a cafe in the front of the building, and a study lounge, bridal space and more.”
Hock added: “We need people to discover us. We need people in the door, enjoying the restaurant, coming to concerts, hosting events and to not be afraid to come on downtown, pay to park, and have a great time in a gorgeous building.”
Get more information online at thepennyloafer.com.
— Find more Michigan music news and concert listings at LocalSpins.com. Email John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.
