Originally constructed in 2003, the Cruz Building in Coconut Grove recently underwent some restoration work to its interior, reopening in June. The facade resembles a French row house, with natural keystone and travertine columns, iron balconies, authentic gas-flame lanterns, and Gothic stone sculptures. A good portion of the building's contents are architectural European and French New Orleans antiques.
The 10,000-square-foot venue has three floors with indoor and outdoor areas. On the ground floor, the grand staircase courtyard is adjacent to the English Bar room, which has a 40-foot long bar and can accommodate 150 to 275 guests. After ascending the grand staircase from the courtyard, guests reach the royal mezzanine, which has a terrace for cocktail parties. The Cruz Ballroom on the third level can accommodate about 275 seated guests and has an adjacent alfresco area for extra entertaining space. Additionally, there is a V.I.P. and bridal chamber with private bath and shower, and a fourth floor, which houses a greenroom for entertainers or other groups.
The building can accommodate 700 guests for a strolling reception or cocktails. Capacity for sit-down or buffet dinners varies depending on the number of levels used at once, as well as the design of the event. Each level seats 100 to 250 for sit-down dinners, depending upon seating arrangements. Guests can use a high-tech audio sound system for an event, which is fully customizable so that it can be set for individual floors, or to play simultaneously on all floors.
Planners can choose their own caterer and vendors, based on the site's approval. The Cruz Building does not rent out individual levels or hold more than one event at a time.
