Event Rental FAQs

We have several different rooms that have different pricing per hour, based on time and day of the week. Room use is charged for the full time you have access to the space. Click here for more info.

All reservations must be submitted via the room request link. To determine the best fit for your event, you need to know the time your event will be, plus added set up and clean up times, as well as the approximate guest count. Depending on your room set up needs, capacity may be reduced if you request additional tables or space for activities.

Appointments must be made to see spaces, as we do not show the rooms when there is youth programming, events or meetings taking place.

The center does allow decorations that can be adhered with low-adhesive tape (blue or green). We do not allow sequins, glitter, confetti, slime kits, inflatables, or any type of balloons. Piñatas are allowed outside only. The center does not have decorations to rent.

Carry-in food is allowed at no charge for groups of 49 or less. Groups of 50 to 100 are charged $1 per person. For events of more than 100 guests, there is a $3.50 per person charge and we require a professional licensed caterer to provide and manage food service for food safety.

The center has one small service kitchen available for warming and plating food items. It is not for large quantity food preparation. You must bring in all of your own cookware, serving ware, utensils, platter etc.

The center has 2 buildings: Ironworks at 149 Waubesa Street, and Brassworks at 214 Waubesa Street. Daytime parking is limited in the lots. Parking is available at St. Bernard Church, one block away. Or there is ample street parking within a 4-block walk (there are City of Madison parking restrictions on Wednesdays and Thursdays). Parking is available in the lots at both buildings in the evenings and on weekends. Learn more about parking here.

The center has a liquor license and childcare license. By law it is illegal to carry-in any alcoholic beverages. Bar service is available for most events. Hospitality staff can tell you more about options and pricing. Learn more about bar service here.

Due to city residential codes, on weeknights (Sunday through Thursday), events must end no later than 9pm. Fridays and Saturday's events must end by 10:45pm, guests leave by 11pm, and the building vacated no later than midnight. There is no option to extend that time.

Bea and Lau Christensen Rooms Friday night or Saturday reservation cancellation: If you cancel more than 6 months prior to your event date, you will be refunded 80% of the room fees paid, and security/damage deposit will be refunded. If you cancel 3 to 6 months prior to the event date, you will forfeit all room fees paid (security/damage deposit will be returned). If your event is canceled less than 3 months prior to the event, no refund is given.

Evjue and Merrill Lynch Rooms Friday night or Saturday reservation cancellation: If you cancel more than 6 months prior to your event date, you will be refunded 80% of the room fees paid, and security/damage deposit will be refunded. If you cancel 3 to 6 months prior to the event date, you will forfeit all room fees paid (security/damage deposit will be returned). If your event is canceled less than 3 months prior to the event, no refund is given.

All other room cancellations: If you cancel your event 14 days or more prior to your event, all fees will be refunded (and any security/damage deposit paid), less a $25 administration fee. If you cancel less than 14 days prior to your event, none of the fees paid will be refunded.

Full payment is due within two weeks of receiving a room rental contract. This includes a security deposit that will be returned to you following your event, providing the room was left in good condition and all rules outlined in the contract were followed by host and guests.

Linens are available to rent for events. Tablecloths are $8.00 each and the colors available are white, black, or sand. Linen napkins are available in a pack of 25 for $25.00 and come in a variety of colors. Contact hospitality@goodmancenter.org for more details.

We accept cash, card, or check.