You’re driving through downtown Newark, past the courthouse and the old storefronts, and you see it—the massive, limestone building at 85 East Main Street. Most folks just call it The Skylight. If you grew up here, you probably remember it as the place where you had to drop off school paperwork or maybe even where your grandparents went to mail a letter back in the sixties.
But it's weird, right? A lot of people talk about it like it's just another wedding factory. Honestly, that’s doing it a massive disservice. It’s not just a room with some white tablecloths and a DJ. This place has lived about three different lives, and if you look closely at the architecture, you can still see the scars and the beauty from every single one of them.
Why the Name Actually Matters
You’d think a place called The Skylight would be pretty self-explanatory. But here’s the thing: most "skylight" venues just have a couple of modern glass panels popped into a roof. This is different.
When you walk into the front room, you’re standing in what was originally the Newark Post Office, built back in 1916. They didn't have LED strips back then. They had to rely on massive, structural glass to light up the lobby so people could actually see their stamps. The namesake feature is this breathtaking, historic glass ceiling that floods the marble entrance with a kind of light you just don't get from a lightbulb. It’s heavy. It’s old. It feels like 1920s New York, but it’s right here in Licking County.
The Secret History of 85 East Main Street
Most people know the building’s current identity as a banquet hall, but the timeline is actually pretty wild. It wasn't always a place for cake and dancing.
The Post Office Era (1916–1969)
For over fifty years, this was the heartbeat of Newark’s communications. If you have an old postcard from the 60s of downtown, you might see this building looking exactly like it does now, minus the modern signage. It was built during that "Neoclassical" craze where every government building had to look like a Greek temple.
The School Admin Years
After the post office moved in 1969, the Newark City Schools Administration took over. It became a place of beige desks and filing cabinets. Can you imagine doing payroll under those massive 22-foot ceilings? It’s kind of a waste of a good aesthetic, but it kept the building standing. Many historic Newark buildings weren't so lucky—plenty of them were leveled for parking lots or "modern" blocks that look dated now.
The Modern Rebirth
Today, it’s a private event space. But it’s not just for weddings. I’ve seen everything from corporate conferences to the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy pop-up event there. There’s something spooky and cool about drinking a "Tell-Tale Heart" cocktail in a room that’s over a hundred years old.
The Architecture: Marble, Hardwood, and 15-Foot Windows
If you’re planning an event or just curious, the "Main Room" is where the real drama happens. It’s got these original 15-foot tall windows. If you’re there during a summer sunset, the way the light hits the hardwood floors is... well, it’s a photographer’s dream.
- Capacity: It holds about 400 people, which is massive for downtown.
- The Floors: Real hardwood. Not the laminate stuff you see in hotel ballrooms.
- The Vibe: It’s "Industrial Elegance" before that was a Pinterest category.
People often compare it to the Louis Sullivan Building just down the street. While the Sullivan building (the "Jewel Box" bank) is world-famous for its intricate terracotta, The Skylight is more about scale and "sturdy" beauty. It’s the contrast between the delicate marble floors and those thick, fortress-like limestone walls.
What People Get Wrong About Booking
There’s a common misconception that you’re stuck with one specific vibe if you use this space. I’ve talked to locals who think it’s "too formal."
Actually, the management (folks often mention Bentley or Barb when talking about the service here) is surprisingly flexible. Because it was a post office and then an office building, the layout is actually kinda weird in a good way. You have the grand entrance, but then you have these side areas and "get ready" rooms that feel like a maze.
A Note on the "Basics":
Some reviews mention that the "ready rooms" (where brides or speakers hang out) could use a facelift. It’s true. It’s a historic building, and sometimes the "backstage" areas feel a bit more like the 1970s school admin offices than the 1916 lobby. But if you’re there for the main hall, you’re not looking at the wallpaper in the dressing room anyway.
Is It Haunted?
You can't have a building this old in Ohio without someone claiming there’s a ghost. While it doesn't have the "active" reputation of the Old Licking County Jail (which is just a few blocks away and was literally on Ghost Adventures), there are definitely stories.
Former office workers have talked about hearing footsteps on the marble when the building was supposed to be empty. Is it spirits? Or is it just the way 100-year-old limestone expands and contracts? Honestly, when the moon is hitting that skylight at 11 PM, it’s easy to believe it’s the former.
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Getting There and Parking
If you’re coming from Columbus, it’s a straight shot down Route 16. It takes about 40 minutes.
Parking in downtown Newark used to be a nightmare, but it's gotten better. There’s a lot right there, and since most big events happen on weekends, the street parking is usually wide open.
Pro-tip: If you’re visiting for an event, don't just stay in the building. Walk a block over to the Newark Arcade. It’s one of the oldest glass-roofed shopping malls in the country (built in 1907) and it fits the same "historic glass" theme as The Skylight. It’s like a mini time-travel tour of Licking County.
Actionable Tips for Visiting or Booking
If you're actually looking to use the space or just want to see it, here is the "real talk" on how to handle it:
1. Don't rely on just one contact method. Locals know that the staff is great in person, but sometimes they’re old-school with technology. If you don't get a text back immediately, just call. It’s a small-town vibe; personal connection goes a long way here.
2. Visit during the "Golden Hour." If you are touring the venue for a wedding or a gala, go around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. You need to see how the natural light interacts with the skylight. That’s what you’re paying for, after all.
3. Check the "Edgar Allan Poe" schedule. Even if you aren't getting married, keep an eye on Fever or local Newark event boards. They’ve been hosting these immersive cocktail experiences lately. It’s the cheapest way to get inside and see the architecture without having to buy a bridesmaid dress.
4. Consider the acoustics. Because it’s all marble and high ceilings, sound bounces. If you’re hosting a talk or a band, make sure your sound person knows how to handle a "live" room. You don't want your Great Aunt's speech turning into an echoey mess.
The Skylight is a survivor. In a world where everything is built out of drywall and gray vinyl, standing under a 1916 glass ceiling feels... grounded. It’s a piece of Newark history that you can actually touch and use. Whether you're there for a wedding, a corporate gig, or just a spooky cocktail night, take a second to look up. The view is worth it.
Next Step: Check out the official website or their social media pages to see the latest photos of the interior restoration; the marble floors were recently polished and look better than they have in decades.