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SYCAMORE – When Jill and Srdan Selimbegovic saw an opportunity to convert an old building into a banquet hall, they jumped at it.
They've been managing the Regale Center, located at 124 ½ S. California St. in downtown Sycamore, for almost a year.
They spent about six months renovating the 6,000-square-foot building, which now has a brick exterior, 25-foot ceilings and arched windows surrounding the main area.
"It's always been my dream to have a banquet hall," Jill Selimbegovic said.
Jill and Srdan Selimbegovic have owned the MVP Sports Club next door to the Regale Center for eight years. The banquet hall has been open since May, and Jill Selimbegovic said a number of weddings, receptions, baby showers, fundraisers and business meetings have been held there since.
Those who rent out the space have the option of setting up a stage area, a podium and a portable dance floor area. The banquet hall also supplies round tables, chairs, linens and an optional centerpiece. A long buffet table is set up for parties that need catering, and MVP Sports Club provides a selection of alcohol packages for the in-house bar area.
The building is surrounded by two public parking lots, and the banquet hall is handicap-accessible. The hall has a separate entrance for caterers, who can use the prep kitchen at the hall if they need it.
The Selimbegovices also recommend trusted local caterers including Premier Meals Catering, Inboden's Meat Market, Whitman's Catering and Party Rental and Sweet Dreams Desserts.
The Regale Center also has a private room with seating, a hutch and a full-length mirror, which Jill Selimbegovic said has been used by brides who hold both their wedding and reception ceremonies at the banquet hall.
Aside from weddings, the Selimbegovices wanted to cater to businesses and organizations that are looking for a place to hold their meetings and dinner events.
The Selimbegovices describe the banquet's decor as classy and welcoming with soft, warm colors on the walls and chocolate brown curtains. Jill Selimbegovic said the decor lends itself not just to weddings, but to a wide variety of gatherings.
They said they've been trying to attract more business meetings, and said a number of fundraisers have already been held there for groups such as United Way, Feed'em Soup and Meals for Moms.
They're hoping the banquet hall will keep people in Sycamore and give the shops, hotels and restaurants in Sycamore a boost in business, or at least more exposure.
"We've had a really positive response from the community," Selimbegovic said.
She hopes people will leave the Regale Center after an event with such a positive opinion of the venue – from the rental price to the alcohol selection – that they recommend it to their friends.
"I want people to be happy with the whole experience," she said.
Know more
What: Regale Center
Where: 124½ S. California St., Sycamore
Information: Jill Selimbegovic at 815-508-8008