The Lot, New Jersey’s newest open-air pavilion located in West Orange, has recently opened. Customers can now celebrate weddings, fundraising galas and other milestones just as Governor Murphy ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on June 4.
Owners Marc Jason and Jeffrey Siber founded the business in 2020 in response to the high number of event cancellations that the hospitality industry had to face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, with creative director Morgan Reed of Total Entertainment, they converted a 20,000 square-foot parking lot into a versatile outdoor covered space.
“The Lot was created so that people can celebrate life’s moments again and feel safe about doing so,” says Reed. “We feel that people still have hesitation about celebrations due to COVID and have one foot in and one foot out. The Lot is a perfect solution to have two feet in!”
Photo courtesy of The Lot l Taken by Andy Foster Photo
The Lot Has A Lot To Offer
The Lot’s claim-to-fame is its ability to provide all of the amenities of traditional indoor venues, while still maintaining every outdoor benefit that comes with its unique “open-air event space.” It offers gray wash wood flooring, a built-in sound system and an arrangement of wooden beams in a trussing system for accent lighting. Stationary aerial fans circulate clean, renewable air, ensuring that The Lot achieves its open-air experience.
Additionally, the massive space allows for maximum occupancy under state guidelines. This also allows masked or unvaccinated individuals to socially distance themselves. A vast tent covering keeps guests comfortable and protected from the elements. Bathrooms are also located on-site.
Photo courtesy of The Lot l Taken by Andy Foster Photo
Adjacent to the main marquee is a separate catering facility space, and a full-service catering kitchen can be requested with the event package. Heating and air conditioning come in a variety of forms depending on the season.
For customers who have specific requests or desires, The Lot offers a highly customizable venue experience. The wood flooring and neutral palette can be swapped out with other colorations. Décor can range from elegant chandeliers to more contemporary features such as black couches and coffee tables. The team handles all of the lighting, sound and visual components. A curated list of the hospitality industry’s finest allows customers to pick and choose the perfect vendors and services for their event. This includes coffee catering, musical performances, photographers and more.
Photo courtesy of The Lot l Taken by Andy Foster Photo
All of this customization allows The Lot to host any kind of occasion, allowing guests to gather comfortably and happily.
The Lot is located at 100 Executive Dr in West Orange. To learn more, visit their website.
About the Author/s
Jared Berberabe is a senior at Ramapo College of New Jersey, majoring in English and Literary Studies and minoring in Spanish. When not writing, he enjoys practicing the piano.
