Correction: Trisha Rector is Patrick Rector’s wife. A previous version of this article stated she was his daughter. In addition, Dale McPherson was originally listed as the founder of Triple Crown. He is actually one of the seven founding builders.
A Boone County-based company wants to develop an upscale wedding and event center in Union.
However, some neighbors had concerns.
The Northern Kentucky Development Alliance, formed by Dale McPherson, a founding builder of Triple Crown Country Club, and Patrick Rector, founder of Rector Excavating, aims to construct a 13,000-square-foot event center on an 18.8-acre site on the north side of Hathaway Road, nestled between Old Union Road and Spruce Lane in Union.
The Northern Kentucky Development Alliance requested that the parcel’s zoning map designation be changed from Suburban Residential One to Suburban Residential One/Planned Development so the project can commence. According to provided planning commission documents, Arlinghaus I LLC owns the land.
On Wednesday, April 2, the Boone County Planning Commission hosted a public hearing where representatives from Northern Kentucky Development Alliance presented their concept development plan, members of the public voiced either their support or concerns regarding the project.
“Forbes came out with a recent report that says this exact market sector is short by 13.8% growth per year the next 10 years,” McPherson said. “That’s how fast this is going to grow. This market sector is required for this type of upgraded wedding venue.”
The Allora Wedding and Event Center is an upscale venue designed to host weddings, gatherings and special community events that include live music and light entertainment. The venue will feature a full-service Italianate Country Club finish with an executive chef, full-service staff and full-time concierge.
The venue’s interior will have a 4,000 square foot grand ballroom and banquet hall, a 1,800 square foot banquet hall and a 900 square foot private bistro for small corporate events, showers, private parties and rehearsal dinners. In addition, the venue provides two 650 square foot hospitality and bridal suites with a bar, lounge, makeup desks, private gardens and private baths.
Other amenities include a 2,700 square foot commercial-grade kitchen, 2,500 square feet of storage space, and over 1,800 square feet of covered outdoor patios.
Trisha Rector, Patrick’s wife, told the planning commission that Allora would fill a need in Boone County’s wedding venue market. She recalled choosing to have her wedding in Cincinnati instead of Boone County due to the existing venues’ lack of space.
“What experience is exactly a lesson to be a part of this team that’s building the Aurora wedding and event center, and we need a place right here in Boone County that can accommodate events, weddings and celebrations with style and sophistication,” she said. “Allora will be that venue.”
Dustin Dichiara, a neighboring homeowner, raised concerns about the noise.
“I’m not sure this venue is going to contribute to the quiet, tranquil and bucolic environment of our neighborhood,” Dichiara said.
Other concerns ranged from the prospective venues’ impact on traffic, wetland environment, and the use of septic tanks on the property.
The Northern Kentucky Development Alliance’s concept development plan includes sound mitigation measures, such as installing sound-proof interior wall panels, acoustic wall and ceiling panels, and even sound absorbent paint.
Looking ahead, the zone change request moves on to the planning commission’s technical design/review committee. If the request passes the committee, it will be heard before the full planning commission.
