New Event Space Downtown Offers Elegant Nod to History

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Eric Gurley, the founder of Cyber Solutions/CEO and a familiar face in Anderson’s business community, has turned his attention from IT to something more atmospheric: The Grand 1891, a newly restored event space in the heart of downtown.  The building, which dates back to 1891, has spent more than a century as a silent witness to Anderson’s history, serving as a ballroom, a civic meeting place, and, for a time, a forgotten relic.

Gurley’s vision was to restore the space to its original grandeur, not as a museum piece but as a living part of the city’s social life.  Months of meticulous work went into reviving the coffered ceilings, millwork, and hardwood floors, each detail chosen to honor the building’s legacy while making it functional for modern gatherings.  The Grand 1891 officially opened on November 28, and its calendar is already filling with holiday parties, weddings, and community events.

Gurley speaks of the project not just as a business venture but as a way to reconnect Anderson with its past. 

“This isn’t just a place to host an event,” he says. “It’s a place where people can feel the history, where every detail tells a story.”

With its elegant ballroom and storied presence, The Grand 1891 is expected to quickly become a destination for those who want their celebrations to feel both warm and unforgettable.