Frequently asked questions
1. The Wellstone Center building hours
Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
2. May I tour a event spaces or meeting rooms before making a decision?
Yes. Please call 651-789-2500 to make a room showing appointment. We gladly accept walk-ins, however, do ask that you contact us to ensure that our meeting spaces are available for viewing prior to visiting.
3. How do I book an event space and/or meeting room?
Contact Neighborhood House at 651-789-2500 or click here to request a quote and get started.
4. Can an event space or meeting room be placed on hold?
Yes. We can hold your requested date/s for up to two weeks (no deposit required). At the end of that time, the Wellstone Center requires a signed contract and deposit. If the reservation isn’t confirmed by the expiration date, the hold will be lifted, and the space will be made available to others.
5. How can I be guaranteed that my date has been booked?
To book your space, we require a signed contract with 50% of the event space or meeting room rental fee. The remaining balance of the estimated cost is due two weeks prior to your event.
6. What is the cancellation policy?
Rental refunds for an event space and / or a meeting room cancellation(s) are as follows:
- 100% Refund for cancellations 30 or more calendar days from the day of the event.
- 75% Refund for cancellations 14-29 calendar days from the day of the event.
- 50% Refund for cancellations 8-13 calendar days from the day of the event.
- 0% Refund for cancellations occurring 7 days before the day of the event or less.
The Wellstone Center reserves the right to cancel any event that conflicts with Neighborhood House or St Paul Park and Recreation policies. Please contact us with any concerns with this policy.
7. Can an event take place before/after building hours?
Yes. The Wellstone Center can be opened earlier or later for an additional fee. Please arrange with the guest services team prior to your event.
8. What is included in an event space or meeting room rental?
The rental fee includes the use of the event space. Many of our meeting rooms have additional amenities, your guest services team member will share these with you. Most of our meeting rooms include furniture (tables, chairs, etc…) in a standard set-up. Set-ups vary from room to room and provide many different settings to match the needs of your group. Special set-ups are available for a nominal charge. Additional meeting and event equipment is available, but some charges may apply.
9. Are there any discounts available?
Booking discounts are available based on the size, frequency of your booking and the overall room rental bill.
10. Are there non-profit rates that apply to my organizations?
The Wellstone Center’s rental rates were designed with nonprofits in mind. Rates were created to provide low cost access for everyone.
11. May I secure a free event space / meeting room?
While we would like to be able to host events at no cost, all of the revenue generated goes directly back to support the operations of the facility and Neighborhood House programs.
12. Is there WIFI access available?
Yes. The Wellstone Center is equipped with wireless internet. A password is required for access and can be obtained at the main welcome desk.
13. Is audio visual equipment available?
Yes. The Wellstone Center offers a selection of audio/ visual equipment options, from easels and flipcharts to full podium and microphones, plus LCD projectors, projection screens and more. For pricing, please connect with your guest services team member.
14. What equipment is available for use during an event?
Audio visual equipment is available through the Wellstone Center. All charges will be added to the renter’s reservation. A 48-hour notice is required to ensure availability of AV equipment. Easels, flip charts, additional tables, podiums, and other equipment are also available, but charges may apply. If your presentation requires anything beyond a PowerPoint presentation and microphone, please set up a time with the your guest services team for an A/V run-through prior to your event.
15. May I store items overnight?
No. There is no storage space available at the Wellstone Center. Arrangements may be made to leave items overnight, at the client’s risk. Please contact your guest services team member for more details.
16. Is security required at my event?
We do require security for any event that includes alcohol service or where security of the facility, guests and neighborhood are of concern. Please contact your guest services team member with any questions you may have about security.
17. Does a rental require a damage deposit?
A renter’s event may be subject to a refundable damage deposit. All damage deposits are due within 14 days of booking the event. Cash and credit card are all acceptable forms of deposit. Credit cards will be charged the full deposit amount at the time the deposit is made. Following a post-event facility review by the Wellstone Center staff, any damage deposits - less any costs of damages, additional labor/cleaning costs, and/or outstanding amount due - will be refunded within ten (10) business days after the event.
18. Will I need to provide insurance?
It depends. In most cases you will not need to provide insurance for your event or meeting, some exceptions apply to this and Neighborhood House may ask for proof of liability insurance at any point in time prior to your event.
19. May I reconfigure a meeting room I have reserved?
Some meeting rooms can be reconfigured by the renter, but must be set back to its standard set up for the next group.
20. What are your decoration policies?
We welcome your decorations in our facility. Renters are responsible for securing all decorations and must ensure that they do not cause damage to the space:
- Decorations and signing can only be affixed with blue painters tape or 3M command products.
- The use of any other adhesive poducts are prohibited.
- Glitter and confetti cannot be thrown in the building or used as table decorations.
- Helium-filled balloons must be secured at all times.
- Helium-filled mylar balloons are not allowed in the building due to their effect on the fire detection systems and will be removed by our Wellstone Center staff if brought in.
- Open flames or burners are not allowed.
- Fog, bubble and foam machines are not allowed.
It is the renter’s responsibility to inform caterers and decorators of these policies. Please contact your guest services team member with any questions.
21. What are the catering options?
The Wellstone Center has no catering restrictions* and we are pleased to offer kitchen spaces for your preferred caterer to use for staging or food preparation. (Additional fees will apply). There are, however, special regulations regarding the serving of alcohol. Please contact us at 651-789-2500 for a list of preferred vendors.
22. May I serve alcohol at my event?
Yes. As a City of St. Paul facility, renters wishing to serve alcohol may only use a licensed liquor catering service and provide a Certificate of Insurance with Liquor Liability in the amounts of $50,000 per person, bodily injury; $100,000 more than one person, bodily injury; $10,000 property destruction; $50,000/$100,000 for loss of means of support. Only beer, champagne, and wine can be served in this facility (hosted bar only). Additionally, all renters wishing to serve alcohol at their event are required to hire an off-duty St. Paul Police Officer during the time alcohol is served and consumed. Police officers are arranged through the Wellstone Center and renters are required to pay the officer in cash or check directly before the start of the event. Please contact your guest services team member for more information.
23. Are linens provided?
No. Unfortunately, the Wellstone Center does not provide linens.
24. What are the set up and clean up requirements?
Any set-up and/or tear down must be done during the hours you have reserved the space. Your reserved event space(s) and / or meeting rooms will not be accessible outside of your reserved time.
25. Is free parking available?
We offer groups the complimentary use of the Wellstone Center’s attached parking ramp, which features 165 spaces.
