Located at the intersection of North Avenue and North Main Street, the cool and contemporary event space called The Corner & Meeting House has served in numerous capacities since the building and adjacent house were constructed 132 years ago. Originally built in 1893 for Dr. John B. Powers and his wife, Harriet Brewer — the granddaughter of Wake Forest College’s first president, Samuel Wait — the Powers-Dodd House has hosted multitudes in the decades since.
First as a residence, then a general store, a law fraternity for Wake Forest College, a bookstore, and finally The Corner Ice Cream Parlor for 30 prosperous years — the historic building was purchased by Mandy Sykes and her husband, Robert, in 2022. Their daughter, Addison Wollett, a former community outreach coordinator for the Milwaukee Brewers, is The Corner's Director of Events.
From Chamber of Commerce gatherings to graduation celebrations, weddings, and birthday parties, The Corner has hosted a diverse range of special events since it opened for business with a blast on February 15, 2022. An ideal example of how an old building can be reused in a way that both highlights local history and enhances economic growth, the venue contributes mightily to the creation of a seamless path from the picture-perfect Historic District to Downtown — attracting additional foot traffic and creating more opportunities for residents and visitors, businesses and vendors.
When the ice cream parlor closed in 2007, the space was purchased and renovated over several years by Marty and Debbie Ludas. They too wanted to create an event space, but COVID put a damper on that idea and decided to put it on the market in 2021. Mandy — who, along with Robert, works at Cisco — she as chief of staff and he as a sales manager for the global technical manufacturing corporation — heard about the space for sale at the NC State Fair in October 2021. Moving quickly to connect with this important piece of both their and Wake Forest's past — the couple closed on The Corner in February of 2022.
"Very familiar" with the space, Mandy took piano lessons from Ms. Kathleen Chandley, who ran the ice cream parlor, and also reportedly lost an important dental implement there, about which her daughter prefers she not discuss. The Corner also collaborates on a regular basis with Wake Forest businesses such as the Lemon Tree, The Forks, and Lumpy’s Ice Cream.
“We always think local and small businesses first,” Mandy said. In a nod back to the building's roots, during the Celebration of Lights Festival, The Corner hosted a “meet your community” ice cream social in August of 2024.
Calling the business and partnership with her daughter a “dream come true,” Mandy said Addison has doubled the business they were doing before she came onboard. All told, they estimate hosting more than 300 events since opening 3 years and 3 months ago.
“She's now the fourth generation in Wake Forest,” Mandy said. “We're really lucky that our family is so close.”
For her part, Addison — who also just became a mother herself — said working at The Corner isn’t just a job. “It’s something I genuinely care about because it gives me the chance to create experiences that matter,” she said.
“I most love how the space brings people together. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or just a simple celebration, every event has its own vibe and meaning for the people involved. Seeing people laugh, connect, and make memories here is what keeps me inspired.”
From those who grew up in town to its many newcomers, Addison sees The Corner as a place where people easily reconnect and acclimate.
"For people who’ve been here forever, it’s more than just a space," Addison said. "It’s where they used to grab ice cream as kids, had a birthday party, or maybe even where they had their first date. It’s packed with those shared memories and traditions. And for people who are new to town, it’s the perfect spot to connect to Wake Forest’s history, make connections, and start building their own story here.”
With character, charm, and warmth that reflect Wake Forest and its history, The Corner is flexible enough for people to make it their own.
“One thing we hear a lot is how The Corner made their event feel truly special and personal,” Addison continued. “People love that the space can be customized to fit whatever theme or vibe they’re going for, while still holding onto its own unique charm that makes it stand out. Our motto, ‘Memories—they’re just around The Corner,’ really drives everything we do. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know we’re helping people create moments they’ll treasure forever.”
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, congratulates and thanks Mandy, Robert, and Addison for creating this beneficial business. “This is an outstanding use for this historic space,” he said. “We could not be happier with how The Corner & Meeting House contributes to and collaborates with the people and businesses of Wake Forest. We wish them many years of continued success going forward.”
