The James Ward Mansion

Over the top New Orleans bordello-​style design aesthetic (with half-​inflated Christmas blowups hanging off the wrought iron balconies during the holiday season) very out of place in an otherwise quaint downtown. Not sure what this venue is really used for… food rather pedestrian and tasteless.

The James Ward Mansion is a beautiful venue for a smaller sized party, and for a host and hostess who look for alternative or unique ways of doing things. I had my wedding there this July and was wowed by the décor, use of space (although definitely untraditional), and overall experience. There is a municipal lot right around the corner of the venue, so street parking is not necessary.
The venue would only let us have the space for 5 hours, and did not allow our caterer to have the tables, dishes, etc. dropped off the day before the event (we were charged an additional $ 700 for same day pick up and drop off).
The caterer that usually works the parties at the Mansion, The Ultimate Caterer, was not up to par. When we went for the tasting, the food seemed as if it was microwaved. I have had better at the tasting stations at Costco and BJs. We were able to bring in our own catered, who did an excellent job.
Again, although this venue is quirky and different, it is pretty great for people looking for a non-​cookie cutter wedding (or party) venue, like me!

A bit of an odd choice for those using this venue for their wedding as it’s located directly above an Ann Taylor on Westfield’s main strip. The house as a whole is ornately designed and definitely unique for the area, but it’s laid out all sorts of odd with a fountain in the middle of it’s ballroom? I’m not sure which room was which except for the bathrooms and bedrooms, but I guess it could be ok for small groups. The spiral staircase in the middle of the mansion left me a bit shaky and was a definite turn off for the older potential guests of our upcoming wedding. Would I personally host my event here? Probably not.

Some
Questions
On design
But for small to
Mid size gatherings it is a fun choice.