By LOGAN WHEELER, NEWS3 Guest Reporter
MACOMB, Illinois (NEWS3) – A new business has opened on the corner of Calhoun and Campbell streets in Macomb. The Ice House is a bar in the downtown area that is run by Western Illinois University students and alumni.
The Ice House replaces the former Change of Pace with a renovated building and a new staff. The staff consists of many WIU students at different positions including bartenders, who want to bring a new atmosphere to the bar scene.
“I feel like you can just feel everyone’s energy, that everyone’s happy to be there, smiling and having fun,” said bartender Karah Erickson.
“We would like to bring a new fun atmosphere to Macomb,” owner Collin Solorzano said. “I mean if we can get more students here to the university as more of an attraction for Macomb and obviously do well for ourselves and kind of improve the atmosphere for Macomb, that would be great.”
The Ice House is looking to capitalize in areas that were not previously explored according to the owners. including hosting private events, backyard games and even theme parties. This is partially to try and bring back the attention to Wednesday night outings that were popular at the Pace.
“If they want to come in and throw a business party or a fraternity wants to come in and have their socials and stuff like that, we can provide any private party that they would like,” Solorzano said. “We offer a big beer garden where you can play bags or hang out outside in the nice weather and stuff like that. Food as well, don’t forget about food.”
The road to opening the Ice House has been a long journey for the owners and after some delays and unexpected roadblocks, the Ice House opened on March 2 of this year.
“The idea came about, about June of last year, and then the building was bought in July, then it took us roughly seven to eight months to remodel the whole place,” Solorzano said.
Those wanting to visit the Ice House must be 20 years of age or older. For more information on days and hours, visit icehousemacomb on Instagram.
