Spa owner takes over Grafton event space

The former River Room on the Milwaukee River in Grafton is reopening as Twelve 18 and its owner wants to repurpose the venue to create more opportunities for people to gather. 

“I feel like there are a lot of people who still want to participate in community events,” owner Jen Bublitz said. 

The River Room closed in February due to cancellations during the Covid-19 pandemic, former operator Tina Gotter told Ozaukee Press in March. 

Bublitz, who has owned the building since it was built several years ago, also operates Allure Salon & Spa on the first level. She said the site holds enough space for more than 100 people to be present while maintaining social distancing protocols. 

“It’s time to put yourself out there and figure out what people and the community needs,” Bublitz said. 

Bublitz added she wants to use the space for charity events, work retreats and group exercise. 

The commercial kitchen is also available for rent, for example, Bublitz is renting the space to Kapco Metal Stamping in Grafton for its holiday festivities. 

“I just have to get creative because no one is going to commit right now,” Bublitz said. “It trickles down to every little thing. The whole community is tied somehow.” 

On Monday, Nov. 2, the Grafton Village Board approved a liquor license for the 4,000-square-foot space. 

Bublitz said she is seeking someone to operate the event space, but doesn’t see that happening until the pandemic subsides. 

“Everyone is stressed right now and I want to be creative,” she said.

Bublitz said she has several events planned and expects more community groups will take her up on the opportunity.

Bublitz and her husband Joel purchased the hall in 2007 and the couple wants to remain in Grafton because the event space  overlooks the Milwaukee River.

She said it has been difficult maintaining the property during the pandemic, but she remains hopeful that people will continue to rent the space. She added she has several events booked in the coming months 

“I think we should just be smart about it and we will do the best that we can,” Bublitz said. “We want people to feel safe.”