Brick-lined terraces with an outside grill and bar surround the entrance of the Mary Jane & Richard S. Cordrey Center. Tucked among peach orchards and rose gardens, the center is next to East Coast Gardening Center in Millsboro.
Inside the 3,500 square-foot event facility, named in honor of former state Sen. Richard Cordrey and his wife, the center features 10-foot ceilings and expansive tiled floors.
A granite-topped bar, stainless steel kitchen equipment and an atrium-styled foyer were designed with parties in mind. The new center can host 250 guests for a cocktail reception, or 150 for a seated dinner.
The Cordrey Center is the brainchild of Valery Cordrey, an avid gardener who also enjoys cooking. Available for wedding receptions, anniversary parties and other celebrations, the Cordrey Center is also an apt location for cooking and gardening classes, said Event Coordinator Ruth Dingwall.
Dingwall said local singer Paul Cullen has hosted a mystery dinner, and a garden class and Christmas party were also held.
Outside, guests can enjoy a 4,000-square-foot patio, which can be partially tented. Elegant outdoor furniture, gas fireplaces and decorative planters define the perimeter.
Inside, a gas fireplace glows below a flat-screen television that can be used for conference presentations or family slideshows.
An iPod-compatible, indoor-outdoor sound system is also available.
Dingwall said she’s already booked five events, including two wedding receptions, an anniversary party, a silent auction and a fundraiser.
Off-season rates are available from April through November and nonprofit agencies receive a 20 percent discount, Dingwall said.
Plants can also be rented. Dingwall said the Cordrey Center is now offering first-year pricing at the brand-new facility on Cordrey Road off Mt. Joy Road.
“We always have something going on here,” said Cordrey. The center can be booked for the day, evening, by the hour or for meetings.
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