MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — New life is coming to Menasha’s historic Germania Hall.
Originally a German social club, then a restaurant and banquet hall, Germania shut down almost 10 years ago.
Now it’s retaining its heritage as an ethnic-focused facility, but this time, of a different background.
Germania Hall is moving away from its European heritage and adopting a new one, as it transforms into a vibrant hub of Latin fusion and entertainment.
“When we saw this building that has been empty for quite some time, we decided to see what it was about,” said Oswaldo Contreras.
Located at 320 Chute Street in Menasha, Germania Hall will now be known as Dreams, a venue and event center. It’s available for rent to host a wide range of events, from weddings to birthdays.
Dreams is Menasha’s first Latin fusion event center, with a full bar and kitchen.
“You can expect a nice room, nice treatment, classy decorations and at prices that should be affordable for everyone here,” said Contreras.
Contreras and his sister are the owners of Dreams. They migrated to the U.S. from Venezuela as kids.
“We still don’t forget our heritage,” said Contreras. “We don’t forget our culture, and we want to incorporate some of that Latin throughout the food, throughout the music, throughout the drinks that would be served.”
According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the hall was a social gathering spot for those of German heritage within the community. But the hall’s primary role was that of a public restaurant.
“Asking around some of the people that we have through our other businesses, they had stated that they had been here many, many times for weddings, for Fish Fridays,” said Contreras.
In 1996, the Germania Benevolent Society, the organization that created Germania Hall, disbanded and sold the building. It continued to function as a public restaurant and banquet hall, until shutting its doors in 2014.
“So that’s when we became a little more interested and wanted to dive a little deeper, see some of the roots that grew from this city and from this particular building,” said Contreras.
Dreams Venue and Events officially opens at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. It will host a Latin Dance Event. All tables have already been sold out, but there’s still space available for anyone who wants to experience the event and check out the newly renovated spot.
Contreras hopes Dreams will bring out the Latin community, but says he also hopes it brings out those who have a connection with the building.
“We’re expecting a lot of the same customers that had been here years, years back to now come with their new generations,” said Contreras.
For more information about Saturday’s dance event or how to book your own event at Dreams, call 920-809-1324.
