Our Story
A Historic Space. A New Chapter. Endless Possibilities.
Every building has a story, and ours is still being written.
Located in the heart of downtown Anna, Illinois, The Space on Main is more than just an event venue. It's a piece of Main Street history, lovingly restored and given new life as a place where our community can come together.
When we purchased 334 South Main Street in 2015, we saw potential beneath years of wear and neglect. What followed was a year of hard work, countless renovations, and a shared vision to preserve a piece of downtown Anna's character.
Today, the building's exposed brick, distinctive arched entrance, and historic charm provide a warm, welcoming backdrop for life's special moments.
From birthdays and baby showers to bridal celebrations, business meetings, workshops, and community gatherings, our versatile space is designed to bring people together and make every occasion feel special.
Our hope has always been simple: to create a place that brings new energy to Main Street while honoring the history that makes our small town special.
The Space on Main is more than a place to gather. It's a place to make memories, build connections, and become part of a story that continues with every event.
We can't wait to welcome you.
Meet Mary K & Bryan
Preserving the Past. Creating New Memories.
For Mary K and Bryan, The Space on Main is more than a business. It's a labor of love rooted in their appreciation for downtown Anna and the stories that make their community special.
When they purchased 334 South Main Street in 2015, the building had seen better days. The roof had collapsed in the back, years of wear had taken their toll, and bringing it back to life would require more work than either initially imagined.
Bryan took on nearly every aspect of the renovation himself, from demolition and planning to design and construction, with professional help for the electrical and plumbing. Mary K was there throughout the journey, often hearing Bryan ask, "How strong are you feeling today?"—a sure sign that some heavy lifting was about to begin!
Along the way, they discovered more than just the challenges of restoring an old building. Behind its walls were glimpses of another time, including weathered brick and wallpaper featuring Revolutionary War figures. These discoveries sparked questions about the people and businesses that had occupied the space long before them.
They hope to continue learning about the former owners, merchants, employees, and families whose lives intersected with the building over the generations. Through photographs, newspaper clippings, historical records, and community memories, they hope to piece together the stories that have shaped this little corner of downtown Anna.
But for Mary K and Bryan, preserving history is about more than looking back. It's also about creating a place where new stories can unfold.
Today, seeing The Space on Main filled with celebrations, laughter, creativity, and connection is a reminder of why they took on the project in the first place.
Their hope is that The Space on Main will continue to be a place where the community gathers, memories are made, and a little piece of Anna's history lives on.
Have a Memory of 334 South Main Street?
Mary K and Bryan would love to hear from you!
If you have old photographs, stories, or memories of the businesses and people once connected to 334 South Main Street, they invite you to share them.
After all, the best stories aren't always found in history books. Sometimes they're remembered by the people who were there.
Every memory is another piece of the story, and every gathering adds a new chapter.