In Tennessee, where barns dot the countryside, building a place to celebrate is about more than putting up four walls and a roof. For Will Stoltz, it’s about honoring tradition while shaping spaces that serve the needs of today.
Stoltz and his brother Mahlon are the founders of Stoltz Co., a design and build company known for creating custom event venues across Middle Tennessee. With roots in Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Amish community, where barn building was as common as cornfields, Stoltz brings generations of craftsmanship to every project.
“I grew up in the Amish community,” Stoltz said. “My father was a farmer who started building barns when I was very young. Construction work was a natural part of my childhood. We were taught hard work, honesty and integrity. Those values still guide Stoltz Co. today.”
One of the company’s specialties is custom builds for weddings, parties and community events, often using timber framing and mortise and tenon joinery. These methods aren’t just aesthetic choices. They’re built to last.
One recent project highlighted these principles. Using mortise and tenon construction, Stoltz and his team created a venue that is both sturdy and visually striking. “This style has been used for hundreds of years. It’s strong, and the exposed beams give the interior a lot of character,” he said.
Designing event spaces requires a balance of beauty and function. Stoltz said most clients want large, open spaces with high ceilings and exposed wood framing. “We help guide the design, but ultimately, the structure itself naturally lends to openness and flexibility,” he said.
Event venues often serve more than one purpose. Some are built in a client’s backyard to host both private and public events. Others are constructed for businesses that need a dedicated place for internal gatherings. “Instead of renting space over and over, some companies just build their own,” Stoltz said. “It can be used for anything from a Christmas party to a corporate retreat.”
Certain features have become especially popular in recent builds: lofted second floors, spiral staircases, and decorative concrete floors are in high demand. Most clients prefer exposed timber framing, often requesting designs that reference traditional barns.
In Middle Tennessee, barns are more than just nostalgic architecture. They’re central to the visual and cultural identity of the region. Many clients want their event space to reflect that heritage, even if it’s a brand-new structure.
“Some people want us to build a new barn and then let the wood age for a year before staining it, just so it has that older look,” Stoltz said. “Barn-style venues are definitely the most common request.”
Another style gaining popularity is the chapel-pavilion hybrid. These structures blend the open, airy qualities of a barn with the traditional form of a chapel. Stoltz recalled a client who added one of these pavilions to her wedding venue, resulting in a notable business boost. “She wanted more outdoor options for her clients, and after we built the pavilion, her bookings went up 80 percent,” he said.
Durability and safety are just as important as visual appeal. Stoltz said timber frame construction is one of the strongest ways to build a wooden structure. His team also offers optional FEMA-rated storm shelters, which can be integrated into both residential and commercial projects.
While some clients want Stoltz Co. to handle the entire construction from start to finish, others choose a more flexible approach. “We can build just the shell, and the client can finish it over time,” Stoltz said. “It works well for those with budget constraints who want to phase out the process.”
When it comes to starting a custom build, Stoltz says it begins with a conversation. “Bring us your vision. If you don’t know exactly what you want, we’ll show you examples and ask what stands out. From there, we can build something that reflects your style and needs.”
Though each project is unique, Stoltz’s work is rooted in consistency: solid craftsmanship, a respect for the land, and a desire to create spaces that bring people together. In a region where hospitality and heritage go hand in hand, the event venues Stoltz builds do more than host gatherings, they become part of the story.
StoltzCo.com