The Royale has been reborn as the River Vine.
The property at 300 Roosevelt Drive is now under new ownership, said Carol Richardson, event planner at the River Vine.
New owner Christian O’Dowd took over the property in March. He also owns the Cantering Caterer, in Westport, which exclusively caters to the River Vine.
The Royale was a venerable banquet hall with a long history in the Valley. The building had seen better days, Richardson said.
“It’s like an old house with good bones. It needed a little work, but it is really a beautiful place with a great view of the Housatonic River,” she said.
Richardson should know. She grew up in Ansonia, and currently lives in Oxford.
The new owners are in the process of renovating the building while staying open for business. They’ve painted the place and removed the locally famous blue awning, featuring a white crown.
They’ve also replaced the dark, 1970’s paneling, replaced the kitchen — there’s even a new lighting system.
So far business has been good, Richardson said. In addition to weddings and bridal showers, the River Vine even hosted a kickball theme party in May.
The River Vine is also looking into the possibility of hosting in-house events such as dances or comedy nights.
The renovation should be complete within four to six weeks.
