Boutique Event Service Launches Inside One of Decorah's Oldest Buildings

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. DECORAH — A new boutique event-planning service is breathing new life into one of the city's oldest and grandest properties. Lizzie's Mansion, an event-production venture operating exclusively inside Lizzie's Lofts—a short-term rental property described as "gathering ready"—has officially begun rolling out programming that blends historic preservation with modern, themed entertainment. The business is led by Deon Sawyer, project manager and designer for Lizzie's Lofts, and Janet Benson, assistant manager and event producer for Lizzie's Mansion. The service soft-launched this fall and makes its public debut with two inaugural events: a Dec. 6 holiday party and a Dec. 31 red-carpet VIP dinner. Tickets for the holiday party are now available for purchase. Sawyer says the idea for the event service emerged naturally from the building's character. Lizzie's Lofts, a three-story 1800s-era mansion, currently serves as a luxury rental space. But its layout, history, and decorative potential made it a natural fit for curated gatherings. "The owner likes parties and events, a mix of old-school and classy," Sawyer said. "We wanted to bring in elements of the late 1800s, but keep everything modern and sophisticated." Modern yet historic renovations at Lizzie's Lofts. Cydney Weitzel Sawyer previously operated a wedding venue, experience that informs how Lizzie's Mansion differs from typical event spaces. "That venue was booked constantly and marketed only for weddings," she said. "Lizzie's Mansion is a blend of unique opportunities: family events, community events, themed nights. It's both an event venue and a place to stay." Benson said community involvement will shape some of the programming. "We've talked about inviting people to propose their own event ideas for the space," she said. The new event service is the result of a yearlong renovation of Lizzie's Lofts, a process Sawyer described as both rewarding and demanding. "It's been wonderful and very challenging," she said. "We had great contractors, and the owner was very easy to work with. I had a lot of creative freedom." Local companies, including Casper's Plumbing, Cresco Building Services, Marso Electric and Silver Creek Hardwood Floors, contributed to the project. The physically toughest part, Sawyer said, was moving materials up multiple flights of stairs. She and her husband, longtime fans of architectural salvage, also brought in distinctive pieces to maintain the building's period character. Part of Lizzie's Mansion's mission is designing events that feel connected to the building's history. Sawyer said the team is already planning experiences that lean into the mansion's atmosphere, including a Clue-inspired murder mystery night, a Valentine's Day party and a casino-themed gathering. Cozy library at Lizzie's Lofts. Cydney Weitzel For New Year's Eve, guests will sit down for a formal four-course dinner with live music. The Dec. 6 kickoff party will be more casual, offering cocktails, lounge-style music and an opportunity for guests to tour the decorated mansion. "We'd like to do something once a month," Benson said. "We love themes." Formal bar at Lizzie's Lofts. Cydney Weitzel Sawyer said local collaboration has been part of the project from the beginning. During renovation, she intentionally sourced materials and décor through area businesses such as Ace Kitchen, ArtHaus and the Depot Outlet. As the event service grows, she hopes those relationships will deepen. "We want to collaborate with local businesses and artists with our events as much as we can," she said. Benson is already envisioning art-focused programming. "We'd love to host gallery events to highlight local artists," she said. Sawyer said she hopes the venue contributes both culturally and economically to Decorah. "We want to provide something neat and interesting while remembering the past," she said. "Expose all ages to what was here before as we move forward." She keeps the measure of success simple. "If people have a good time, if they find it interesting and memorable, that's success to me," she said. "Even if it's a small group." She said she hopes residents will eventually see Lizzie's Mansion as "a great place to go for a unique, memorable experience in a historic building." The building remains available as a full-property rental on VRBO and will soon be listed on Airbnb. Benson said the team plans to participate in Airbnb's "Experiences" program, connecting guests with private chefs and other services to create fully customizable stays. With its first public events now on the calendar and a slate of 2026 programming in development, Lizzie's Mansion aims to position Lizzie's Lofts as a year-round destination for high-end social experiences in Decorah. Tickets for the Dec. 6 holiday party are available for purchase here. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.