At Empire Events, each of our venues is nestled in a historical building, brimming with rich history and timeless charm. We love that our spaces tell a story, adding a unique touch to every event we host.
The Jiddi Space & Courtyard is part of the Helig-Levine Complex on the corner of Wilmington and Hargett streets in downtown Raleigh. Comprised of four buildings dating back to the late 1800s, the complex is also home to restaurants Sitti and Gravy. Hidden in the middle of the complex is the Jiddi Space & Courtyard.
The original building at 111 E. Hargett St. was built in 1909. Initially, it had only two floors and housed a furniture store and a dry goods store. Once the Heilig Levine Furniture Store took over 137 S. Wilmington St in 1935, 111 became an accessory building to the furniture store, undergoing significant renovations to help establish the space as a stock room.
Like 111 E. Hargett St., the Courtyard and the Jiddi Space were used as storage for the businesses around it; for carriages in the late 1800s to early 1900s, then for furniture and other goods in the mid-1900s. Empire Properties bought the complex in 2002 and restored it in 2005, using the Courtyard and Jiddi Space as a workshop during the renovation. Nearly 150 years later, the Jiddi Space and Courtyard acts as a fully functioning event venue, glowing with market lights for parties, weddings, and events operated by its street-facing neighbors, Sitti and Gravy.
Photos include:
1. A historical aerial view of the Hargett Street and Wilmington Street intersection
2. 1960s-era window display of the Heilig-Levine furniture store (see if you can recognize Sitti's front windows!)
Photos 3-6: Jiddi Space & Courtyard construction in 2005
#EmpireEvents #RaleighHistory #HistoricVenue
Happy National Mimosa Day! 🥂✨
Getting ready with your girls just got even sweeter with our Build Your Own Bubbles Bar in the wedding suite 🍊🍾 Sip, celebrate, and soak in every moment before saying “I do.” 💍
Photography: @puttphotography
HMUA: @pinup_bridal
Happy National Babysitter Day - shoutout to the best babysitters: the friends & family who step in so we can celebrate life’s biggest moments together 🤍 From date nights to wedding nights, we love the village that makes it all possible ✨👶🥂
Photographer: @alexismanningphotography
Happy National Craft Beer Week 🍻✨
American Craft Beer Week celebrates the independent brewers and small breweries bringing unique flavor to every pour. At The Raleigh Times Bar, we’re proud to keep that spirit flowing with 16 rotating taps featuring a variety of local craft breweries — from crisp light beers to rich dark stouts and everything in between⭐😋
Whether you’re joining us for a casual night out, private event, or wedding afterparty, there’s always something new on tap to raise a glass to 🍺
@raleightimesbar
It's Couple's Appreciation Day! Getting to play a small part in such a big day never gets old 🤍
We’re so lucky to work with the kindest couples & witness the start of something so special—thank you for trusting us with your celebrations✨💍
Photographer: @casiewphoto
Planner & Florist: @daisy.by.design
Venue: @jiddispace
Happy National Hairstylist Day to those who create the glam that carries you from first sip to last song ✨🥂💃
Cheers to the stylists who keep every curl, pin, and perfect look in place✨
- Hair & Makeup: @pinupstudio_nc
- Day of Coordinator: @forgetmeknotnc
- Flowers: @plum.bridgefloral
- Photographer: @emileecraftphotography
- DJ: @micky.slicks
Looking for an event venue that’s perfect for everyone on your guest list—of all ages? Look no further ✨ From little ones to grandparents, our space is designed to bring everyone together for unforgettable celebrations. 🥂💛
Photographer: @rosetrailimages
Planner/Florals: @aneventtorememberplanning
Happy 1-year anniversary to Zach & Lauren! 🤍✨ They recently celebrated one year since “I do” with us last April! We loved being part of your special day & are wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness - from all of us at Jiddi Space & Courtyard 🥂💍
Planner/Florist: @daisy.by.design
Photographer: @xinebenz
Catering/Bar: @sittirestaurant
Officiant: @moonweddingceremonies
Happy National Picky Eaters day! With Empire Events there's no need to stress over the menu—our in-house catering makes it easy to please every palate! 🍝🥙🍔 From Italian-American classics at Gravy to authentic Lebanese flavors from Sitti and pub-style favorites by The Raleigh Times Bar, your guests will have options they’ll love 😋🍽️
Catering: @sittirestaurant
Planner/Florist: @daisy.by.design
Photographer: @xinebenz
