In the heart of North Lawrence, a former warehouse has been transformed into a lively gathering place where weddings, film nights, fundraisers, and live shows all find a home. Known to locals as Venue 1235, the space at 1235 North 3rd Street has become a cornerstone of creative and social life, uniting art, music, civic engagement, and celebration in a welcoming, flexible setting.

“We are very excited to be a part of the North Lawrence Corridor,” says owner Chase Westheffer. “The building itself dates back to 1969 when it housed the Westheffer Company. We are thrilled to see it reimagined as a social destination for all kinds of events.”

The 6,000-square-foot venue combines industrial charm with modern design. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, polished concrete floors, and stone accents give it a distinctive look that can shift from a rock concert one evening to a wedding the next. Venue 1235 blends history and innovation, offering a canvas for creativity and connection rather than a typical banquet hall.

Westheffer and his team intentionally support civic and community partners. “It’s always an honor to host nonprofits and local organizations,” he says. “We’ve been fortunate to work with Just Food, Bert Nash, and the Humane Society. Our doors are open to everyone.” A Lawrence native, Westheffer sees these partnerships as both personal and essential.

That openness has led to meaningful collaborations. From food-bank fundraisers to animal-welfare galas and arts benefits, Venue 1235 serves as a platform for social good. In June 2025, for example, the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center hosted an event that brought people together to support local mental health services.

The venue also nurtures Lawrence’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Local musicians regularly perform here, including a recent concert by the regional band Patriarch. Professional sound, lighting, and staging create an intimate yet high-quality experience for performers and audiences alike.

Food and artisan culture thrive in the space as well. Earlier this year, a vendor workshop and happy hour brought together local event suppliers, makers, and service providers to share ideas and strengthen their networks. “Events like this connect the people behind the scenes, not just the events themselves,” Westheffer notes. By supporting vendors as well as performers, Venue 1235 has become a vital part of Lawrence’s creative economy.

Civic engagement remains central to the venue’s mission. On June 26, 2025, it hosted “A Night Out West,” a fundraiser for Just Food that combined live music, local vendors, and community participation. Events like this highlight how Venue 1235 weaves together multiple aspects of civic life, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner for nonprofits and community groups.

Art finds a strong presence here, too. On Nov. 29 and 30, the venue will host the NoLaw Art Fest, a two-day indoor-outdoor celebration of local artists and makers. Paintings, ceramics, and handmade goods will fill the space, transforming it into a marketplace of creativity and connection.

Venue 1235’s adaptable design makes it ideal for weddings, corporate gatherings, fundraisers, and performances alike. Its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces allows it to shift seamlessly from a lively concert to a serene art show, fostering both continuity and community trust throughout the year.

Its location in the North Lawrence Corridor also plays a key role. The neighborhood is experiencing a wave of renewal, with new businesses and creative ventures emerging nearby. “Several new businesses have opened, and we’re proud to be part of that movement,” Westheffer says. By establishing a high-quality event space in the area, Venue 1235 helps shape a stronger, more connected North Lawrence.

More than just a building, Venue 1235 has become a place where people celebrate, collaborate, and engage. It connects nonprofits, vendors, musicians, artists, and residents in ways that strengthen the city’s cultural and civic fabric.

What sets the venue apart is its inclusivity. It welcomes community groups, nonprofits, event planners, and musicians alike, fostering collaboration rather than exclusivity. The year’s calendar reflects its range: the Bert Nash fundraiser, Just Food’s “A Night Out West,” Patriarch’s concert, the Vendor Workshop, and the upcoming NoLaw Art Fest–all different, yet united by the venue’s commitment to community.

Westheffer views Venue 1235 as a long-term investment in Lawrence’s vitality. “Hosting events and bringing people together has always been a passion of mine,” he says. That passion has created a space where creativity, civic engagement, and celebration intersect–a place where Lawrence meets, connects, and thrives.

In a city known for its arts, energy, and community spirit, Venue 1235 stands as a crossroads of it all. Whether attending a concert, a fundraiser, a wedding, or an art festival, residents know there’s one place where Lawrence truly celebrates.

To learn more about Venue 1235, visit Venue1235.com or call 785-856-7800.