A once abandoned building in the downtown area of Jefferson has been revived and is thriving.
Greg and Shirley Hacker are the owners of The Courtyard Wedding and Events Center, located at 214 East State Street, next to the Sierra Community Theater. Greg tells Raccoon Valley Radio he originally wanted space for his landscaping business, but when he and Shirley started to uncover the ceiling, they knew they needed to do something else. He points out that everything inside and outside of the building was completely renovated. From the courtyard that has both a raised and ground level patio, a water feature and a wedding arbor; to the interior with a bridal room and kitchen that is next to the main event center and a bar that is located at the front.
Shirley describes that the bar has some items from an owner of an Illinois-based business that they met when her and Greg were on vacation in Florida, to some furniture pieces from a local business in Jefferson.
“We wanted RVP(~1875) to have a piece of this too because we love his work. So (the owner) Robbie (Pedersen) did all of the bar chairs, bar stools, and stuff. Greg did a lot of the woodworking, like he got old barn wood and he made the barn doors, and the fireplace, and stuff.”
The two say they have hosted several different programs and shows such as comedians, live musical performances, along with company parties and other gatherings. From when construction started in March of 2024 to the finished product by this past September, Greg recalls that everything went fairly smoothly as he describes his favorite part of the process.
“Just getting to know the people that come in. I think we’ve made a lot of good friends over in Jefferson. We always say that the downtown Jefferson, it’s impressive how everybody works together, all the businesses, which we like a lot. Everybody promotes everybody, which is awesome.” 
Shirley adds that she posts frequently on their Facebook page of what events are scheduled and when the bar is open for people to enjoy. People can also email or call them and that information can be found below.
Email: thecourtyardjefferson@gmail.com
Phone: (515) 370-2292
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560450831976