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FRANCISCAN CENTER

Rent the exquisite Franciscan Center, a premier venue for any event.

Nestled within the scenic Sylvania Franciscan Village campus in Sylvania, Ohio, the Franciscan Center offers a unique and inspiring venue for your next event. This versatile 19,000-square-foot facility provides a warm and inviting space perfect for a wide range of occasions, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.

Our theater, seating 850 guests, is an ideal setting for everything from captivating community theater productions and local performances to corporate presentations and engaging lectures. The Franciscan Center also features well-equipped conference rooms for groups ranging from fifteen to 200 attendees and a spacious and charming commons area that can be transformed for banquets, fashion shows, and special events.

Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a meeting, a lively party, or an enlightening seminar, the Franciscan Center offers the perfect environment to bring your event to life. We are here to help you create unforgettable experiences backed by a dedicated team ready to support your vision.

Faculty and staff receive a 10 percent discount on renting the Franciscan Center facilities, and Alums and nonprofit organizations receive a 15 percent discount. In addition to facility rental, the center also provides services and amenities to help make your event a success. Located in scenic Sylvania, it provides an ambiance and tranquility unlike any other.

Amenities

  • Professional staff of event planners ready to assist you in every aspect of the planning process
  • Business Center available with Internet, phone, and computer access
  • On-site audio visual equipment
  • Full box office services available for ticketed events
  • State-of-the-art, 850-seat theater
  • Executive boardroom with views of our wooded campus
  • Multi-purpose conference rooms
  • Commons banquet hall seating up to 350 guests
  • Your choice of catering service: from our list of approved providers
  • Full bar and beverage services in-house

Conference Center

Board Room Conference Rooms A & B
  • A fully self-contained room
  • Accommodates up to 60 people
  • 4 x 8 board tables
  • Other flexible arrangements
  • Food service amenities in room
  • Restroom facilities in room
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Projection screen/audio/visual
  • Windows with darkening drapes
  • Scenic view of campus
  • Separate entrance
  • Set of two 35 sq. ft. rooms
  • Used jointly, rooms can seat up to 200
  • Used separately, rooms can seat up to 100 – lecture style
  • Banquet style, rooms can seat 50 guests each
  • Movable wall partition
  • Carpeted rooms
  • Flexible set up
  • 60″ or 72” round tables available
  • 6′ or 8′ rectangle tables available
  • Projection screen and audio/visual equipment
  • White boards

Commons

The Commons is the grand arched lobby of our theatre, and provides an ideal setting for any elegant event. It features a built-in bar, arched masonry pillared cloisters, decorative ceramic tile floor, and direct kitchen access for your approved caterer. It sets the tone and ambience for the entire building, and can be used as a lobby for theater-goers and conference attendees. It also doubles as a beautiful setting for banquets, dinners, style shows, fund-raisers, and receptions.

The commons can be used alone, or in conjunction with other areas of the facility.

The commons area will seat up to 350 persons at 72″ round tables for dinners and banquets, and up to 300 when used in conjunction with the theater or other conference events. It is beautifully yet simply adorned, with brick walls and an interior cloister with brick arches.

Theater

In-house technical assistance from our resident technical director is part of every theater rental. Technical crews for the mounting and running of shows are also available.

Behind the scenes: In the audience:
  • Proscenium stage 49 x 35
  • Draperies and velour hangings
  • Black scrim and white cyclorama
  • Full fly loft with 35 battens
  • Computerized lighting system
  • Two follow spots
  • Full sound capabilities
  • Large front projection screen with multimedia projector
  • 9′ Baldwin Grand Piano on stage
  • 2 stage level dressing rooms & 2 large lower level dressing rooms
  • Handicapped accessible
  • 850 seat house
  • Three sections:
    • left
    • center
    • right
  • Computerized sight lines
  • 25 rows stationary seating
  • Fully carpeted floor
  • Front-of-house staff available
    • Ushers
    • Ticket-takers
  • Handicapped accessible

Wedding Receptions

Planning your wedding? Let our experienced staff assist you in making your dream reception a reality. Whether you are expecting 35 or 350 guests, our expert staff will ensure that your every need is met. We are dedicated to making your event a great success, so allow us to make your job of planning it a little easier. Call our office for a complete special event planning packet. Whatever your wedding dreams may be, our seasoned staff and classically elegant facilities are sure to exceed your expectations.

Contact:

Madison Sample, Event Coordinator
Lourdes University
Franciscan Center
msample@lourdes.edu
419-517-8950

Ashley Jordan, Director of Catering and Events
Lourdes University
Franciscan Center
ajordan@lourdes.edu
419-517-8417

For more information, please complete and submit the form below.

Discover the Franciscan Center.

Contact us today for more rental information.

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