VALDOSTA – Nestled in one of Valdosta’s historic neighborhoods is a 110 year old house that has been transformed into a vibrant meeting space for family, business and community gatherings and is offering opportunities for families to imagine funerals differently.

Park Place by McLane was built in 1906 about a block from the last trolley stop from downtown Valdosta. The home was built near the old fairgrounds that used to sit across North Patterson Street from Park Avenue.

“These houses were really outside of town when they were built,” said Brit McLane. “The Mobley family bought the home from the previous owners in the mid 1940s and owned it until we bought it. We were glad to purchase the house to preserve the integrity of the house and the neighborhood.”

The house, at different times, has been used as a family home, apartments and a space for parties and political gatherings. Now, the bright, spacious building serves as a venue for community events.

“It’s a great space for small gatherings,” said McLane. “We can get 60 to 70 folks in the big room at a meal.”

Park Place opened in September and has been used for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and more.

“We had a banquet for the Valdosta High track team. We had an education brunch for veterans,” said McLane. “We have some Christmas parties scheduled for next month.”

In addition to a community venue, Park Place is also a gathering place for families arranging funeral services with McLane Funeral & Cremation Services.

“One of the things that is not hard to understand is that sometimes when you have a funeral you want to have a meal with family and friends. It’s an integral part of funerals,” said McLane.

In the past, churches were the most common place for family gatherings before or after funeral services.

“As time goes by, that is not as much of an option for a lot of folks,” McLane said. “Either they are not affiliated with a church or they are from out of town or the church may not have the capacity to do that like they used to. People still want to have that meal, and we want to provide that place from families to have a meal together before, during or after a funeral or in place of a funeral.”

McLane said families are starting to “imagine funerals differently,” and Park Place can be a tool to help those families do that.

Park Place even offers “turn key” event planning, including catering, for families arranging funeral services.

For more information about Park Place by McLane at 108 West Park Avenue, visit their website or Facebook page or call (229) 242-5544 to schedule an event.