GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A historic building that dates back to 1918 in downtown Grand Island is getting a new life. 

The building that used to house the local chapter of the Elks Lodge, will now be transformed into an event venue.

Stephanie Husak is the new owner of what will become The Venue at Railside.

“After I started planning my wedding, I just had a goal to own a venue someday," Husak said. "The venue was a big part of my search for the wedding. I just wanted to find a unique place, something that was going to offer my guests an experience, so I just kind of want to offer that to other brides."

But it won't only be for weddings. She said her plans are for the venue to serve all types of events. 

Husak is a former news anchor. She had shared her dream of owning an event space with her co-anchor. One day during a commercial break, her co-anchor showed her a picture of the Elks building. 

She was immediately drawn to it. 

“I just saw so much potential in this building and I pursued it and I think what she thought was a joke actually turned into a reality,” Husak said. 

Some historic aspects of the building will be preserved and some, like the stained-glass windows, will be repurposed. 

In the basement, Husak envisions a kitchen, dressing rooms, bridal suite and conference room.

She said the first floor will be for smaller events. The second floor will have a more elegant vibe, a ballroom, chandeliers and will have a terrace. 

The renovation is set to cost $2.4 million dollars. The project has received $400,000 from the city's facade improvement program pending budget approval and tax increment financing for half a million dollars. 

“This is going to be a historic venue," Husak said. "We’re bringing life back into this building and we’re so excited to do that."

 Construction has already started and Husak is hoping to be done before the end of the year. The venue will soon start booking event for 2025.