The Phoenixville Foundry: Where Industrial Meets Chic
Ariane Graham, of the wondrous Phoenixville Foundry, sits down for an exclusive interview.
Tell us about The Foundry and its capabilities as an illustrious Philadelphia area event attraction.
Phoenixville Foundry is Chester County’s premiere venue. The 18,000-square-foot industrial chic venue is listed in the National Register, making the space rich in history. The venue can easily accommodate guest counts up to 500+, provides ample parking and is easily accessible to and from the greater Philadelphia area. The combination of all of these unique features make it the perfect event location.
"The combination of all of these unique features make it the perfect event location."
What has been your favorite moment working at The Foundry?
My favorite moment has been the look on our couples faces when they realize they’ve found their perfect venue.
"...when they realize they've found their perfect venue..."
How did you get involved with The Foundry?
I spent several years as an Event Planner for J. Scott Catering, the exclusive caterer here onsite. I’ve planned numerous events within the venue prior to transitioning into the Venue Sales Director role.
"I spent several years as an Event Planner for J. Scott Catering, the exclusive caterer here onsite."
What excites you most about working here?
Helping couples, who have had their eye on this venue for years leading up to their engagement, book the space for their special day.
"Helping couples, who have had their eye on this venue for years..."
What makes The Foundry different?
The Foundry is unique for multiple reasons. It is rich in history, has unmatched architectural detail, beautifully kept grounds, state of the art lighting system and of course, can seat guest counts of 500+.
"It is rich in history..."
The Foundry is steeped in history, tell us more about its founding.
Built in 1882, The Foundry of Phoenix Iron & Steel Company poured iron castings well into the 1970’s. Abandoned after the decline of the steel industry, it was marked as the centerpiece of Phoenixville’s economic regeneration. In 2006, Hankin Group acquired the Phoenixville Foundry property. Hankin provided a visionary plan for the creation of a flexible event space that melds the industrial character of the building with modern elements. Today, Phoenixville Foundry offers 18,000 square feet of event space with all of the modern amenities and rich tradition befitting the town’s illustrious past and future.
" Built in 1882, The Foundry of Phoenix Iron & Steel Company poured iron castings well into the 1970’s."
What is one thing most people don’t know about The Foundry?
Most people do not realize that we are the largest industrial chic venue in the surrounding Philadelphia area.
"... we are the largest industrial chic venue in the surrounding Philadelphia area."
What is the most popular type of event held at The Foundry?
We book more weddings here at The Foundry although we host events of all types.
"...we host events of all types."
What does The Foundry pride itself on?
We pride ourselves on providing our clients a unique, customized experience with top notch food and service.
"...customized experience with top notch food and service."
What aspects of The Foundry are from the original construction?
We have retained the industrial and dramatic character of the building. Inside, clerestory windows remain dividing the double-tiered roof structure allowing light to pour into the column free open space. There is a very large wooden cantilever crane still in its original location and thought to be the last and largest of its kind in the entire United States.
"We have retained the industrial and dramatic character of the building."
What makes the catering company you partner with unique?
J. Scott Catering is a custom caterer who has been producing events in the Greater Philadelphia area since 1995. Their talented culinary staff collaborates beautifully with our guests in pursuit of the finest farm-to-table dishes. Their entire team is proud to create fresh, personalized events with tremendous attention to detail.
"Their talented culinary staff collaborates beautifully with our guests in pursuit of the finest farm-to-table dishes."
How many events a year does The Foundry host?
We host 70 events annually.
"...we host 70 events annually."
Is there outdoor space?
Yes, adjacent to the building is our beautiful “Sculpture Garden”, “Phoenix Column Truss Bridge” and “West Patio” which are available for outdoor ceremonies, receptions, or performances.
"...our beautiful “Sculpture Garden”, “Phoenix Column Truss Bridge” and “West Patio”...
Tell us something about The Foundry that most people don’t know.
Most people do not know how breathtaking the space is until they come onsite. There are also numerous photo opt locations from our truss bridge, to our gardens, as well as, interior architecture and downtown murals; there is a backdrop for everyone. We are also within walking distance of Phoenixville’s lively Main Street that houses more brewpubs per capita than any other community in the state
"Most people do not know how breathtaking the space is until they come onsite."
What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to connecting with new clients and helping their vision come to life within the space while creating an experience for their guests.
"...connecting with new clients and helping their vision come to life..."
