Zazu's Verandah Event center now open on the Square in Dadeville
R
ick and Mitzy Hidding are staples in the Everything’s Art community and believe deeply in Dadeville’s growth. When the couple realized that the nonprofit organization needed more space to host art classes, they began knocking on downtown doors; bought a building and opened Zazu’s Verandah. “The goal is to be an event space and to host art classes,” said Mitzy Hidding. “Everything’s Art was meeting at the library and had one class at Raining Dogs Studio, but feedback was that it was too crowded.” They realized they needed their own location and saw an opportunity to enhance the community at the same time with the addition of an affordable event venue. The 1914 building needed a makeover, which the Hiddings handled mostly on their own, except for electrical, plumbing and HVAC issues. The building actually has two sides to it, and the wall separating them is not structural. Right now, one half is being used for storage, but the couple hopes to find someone to open a coffee shop on the square in the other half. The old heart pine flooring was re-done professionally and was fully restored. Hidding also took on the task of tearing down the pegboard that covered the walls up to about 8 feet high, as the building had been a hardware store in the past. Since the material was still in great shape, she was able to haul it off and repurpose it to a good home. “We were real conscientious of not taking things to the dump and re-using it or offering it to others,” said Hidding. The remaining walls were horsehair plaster, which took Hidding six days to remove using a spade and the occasional hammer and chisel. “Mitzy was pulling it off the walls, while I was hauling it out the door,” said Rick. 10 Lake Martin Living
STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI
The process uncovered the building’s original brick, with a few stubborn pieces of plaster left attached. “We decided to turn it into artwork,” said Hidding. “We got the idea from an artist friend, Janie Wright, and splashed paint on it to look like it’s been years of paint layers.” The finished product is the perfect complement to a creative studio that could inspire artists. There was an old air conditioning unit hanging from the ceiling that made for a unique element. The couple debated keeping it there but realized it was impractical. They added a new heating/cooling system and changed out fluorescent lights to LED ones. “We painted the ceilings haint blue, which emits Southern hospitality and gives the feeling of a front porch and gathering space,” said Hidding. Now that the downtown road construction is complete,
