The Vision for The Stately on Main

Written By Lauren Gunderman

When I first stepped inside the 1800s church at 127 East Main, I knew instantly it was special. From the stained glass, to the gorgeous hardwoods, to the pipe organ, I knew this space had life left in it. A sanctuary that had held generations of milestones—baptisms, weddings, community gatherings—quietly asking for a second act.

That was the beginning of The Stately on Main.

Honoring History While Creating Something New

From day one, the mission wasn’t to turn the church into “something else.” It was to elevate what it already was. Every decision—from synthetic slate vs. natural slate, to LED lighting and heat-pump decarbonization, to preserving the bell tower—has been grounded in this dual truth:

Honor the past.
Build for the future.

I’ve collected old postcards, letters, photos, lightning strike stories, historical society notes — everything I could to understand the building’s original story. The Stately on Main isn’t just my project; it belongs to Waterville.

A Venue That Brings People (and Small Businesses) Together

My goal has always been to create a wedding and event venue that feels like it was meant to be here — a place that elevates the village, drives local business, and becomes a hub of celebration again.

The Stately on Main will:

  • Bring new revenue to local vendors like the bakery, florists, photographers, boutique studios, and restaurants

  • Attract visitors who might never have discovered Waterville otherwise

  • Partner with small businesses through our Local Partners program

  • Offer year-round opportunities (minus the winter wedding break from December–February!)

It’s a venue designed not just to host events, but to strengthen the economic heartbeat of Main Street.

The Renovation Journey (and the Realities Behind It)

Phase by phase, we’ve been restoring the structure with intention and transparency:

  • Exterior work completed for the season

  • Bell tower stabilization and roofing decisions

  • Sanctuary painting underway

  • Lighting redesign coming next

  • ADA planning and infrastructure improvements

  • Long-term structural and accessibility upgrades

This project is fueled by a mix of grants, private investment, savings, a 401k loan, and a whole lot of elbow grease. The NY Forward/DRI process has been a massive part of the vision — ensuring that the renovation doesn’t just revive a building but contributes meaningfully to the village’s larger revitalization.

Why Weddings? Why Events?

Because this building was built for gathering.

Because people deserve a venue that feels warm and high-end without being stuffy.

Because small towns thrive when there are spaces that draw people in — spaces with character, soul, and the kind of architecture you simply can’t recreate today.

And because the sanctuary, once fully restored, has the potential to be one of the most visually striking indoor wedding locations in Central New York.

A Brand With Heart (and Stained Glass)

The Stately on Main isn’t just a venue; it’s a brand, a story, and an identity.

  • History

  • Elegance

  • Craftsmanship

  • Joy

  • A little bit of magic

Across @127EastMain and @thestatelyonmain, I’ve been documenting the process so couples, community members, and preservation lovers can follow the transformation in real time.

Looking Ahead

The dream is clear:

  • Stunning fall 2026 and 2027 wedding seasons

  • Thoughtfully designed packages (Simply Stately, Stately Signature, Stately Soirée)

  • A polished, warm, editorial-quality space that feels like stepping into a painting

  • Monthly duet nights sung by my parents

  • Local partnerships that celebrate the village

  • Community events that honor the past while bringing new life to Main Street

The Stately on Main will be a place where history is preserved, stories are shared, and celebrations become part of something bigger than the event itself.

This building has lived a hundred lives.
Now it’s ready for its next one.

And I’m honored to help write the next chapter.

Lauren Gunderman