When Ironton businessman Brad Bear built Mailroom Studios on the first floor of the former Goldcamp building, he envisioned it as a hub for local media professionals.

About four years ago, the owner and creative director of Bear Media Services designed the studio to be used by people looking to make YouTube videos, podcasts, television commercials, corporate training videos or whatever else the creator could come up with.

Then Bear had an idea to let people use the unique space for events.

“This year, I decided it was time to open our doors to those looking for a different kind of space to entertain, educate, or inspire others,” he said. “We’ve moved a few things around, and added a retro gaming lounge and small kitchenette to better accommodate those looking to host a truly memorable event.”

He installed a computerized lighting system that has over 30 atmospheric and effects lights, a 5,000 lumen projector with a 20-foot wide viewing experience coupled with a Bose surround sound system.

“I laid it so people had a space to entertain but creatives can still use rent the facility for photography or video work,” Bear said. “But professionals can also use it for presentations or people can host movie nights on the 20-foot screen. Depending on the layout, we can seat 60–70 people.”

He put in nine different gaming systems in an attached retro gaming room to keep for a different type of entertaining.

“The retro gaming room is for people like me, that like to be social and attend events, but like to talk to friends just outside the party area,” Bear said. “There are seven different types of consoles from NES up through Playstation 3 to PS4 and the Switch, which can be used on any type of screen including the giant screen.”

Bear said while many party places are designed with kids in mind, he wanted something on another level.

“This is more of a rent your own nightclub, so to speak,” he said. “I see it more for people who want something different. It’s more of nightclub feel, but without the sketchy feel. I wanted to give a different vibe.”

Bear said that he feels like you can never have too many options for having experiences.

“You look at businesses in Ironton and you wonder what people are looking for in a small business,” he said. “We have become such online consumers that unless you offer something unique and boutique in retail, that locally people are looking for experiences. This gives them a space to get away from social media a little bit and connected with people. I wanted to give people a unique space without having to leave Ironton.”

Mailroom Studios is located at 101 N. Fourth St., Ironton. You can contact them at 740-302-0504, at brad@mailroomstudios.com, www.mailroomstudios.com, or at facebook.com/mailroomstudios.