A new event venue could be coming to Madison County.
Leonard and Lori Peters have applied for a special use permit (SUP) to operate an event venue, Eden Ridge, on 152 acres of A-1, agricultural, zoned land located off Novum Church Road in Reva. The couple plans to construct a concrete pad for tents in the first of two phases of operation with the second consisting of an event barn.
The Peters say the use will be low-impact with an emphasis on open landscape and minimal disturbances. The phased approach will allow the business to grow responsibly over time, they say with the permanent venue built in two to three years.
During the Madison County Planning Commission meeting held Wednesday, Stephen Found, who is representing the Peters, said the couple have a love for the land, a love for the county and a desire to preserve what they have while using it in a way that benefits themselves and the county. He said weddings will likely be capped at 200 guests with music ending at 9 p.m. during the week and 10 p.m. on the weekends. Found said the couple plans to invite their neighbors to the property for an open house, addressing any questions or concerns. Found will also man a hotline that will be created for folks to share questions and concerns. He hopes to host one wedding a weekend between April and November, but there is also a possibility to host smaller events as well.
Leonard Peters said the property is a dream come true for him and his wife.
“We love it,” he said. “It’s my forever home. I love the views. I love Madison County.”
The Peters live on site and have already planted Leland Cypress trees around one fence line. They plan to add additional screening through evergreens once the barn is erected.
Wednesday’s meeting marked the first of two workshops on the application. The second will be held next month, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at 414 N. Main Street, Madison. Considering the typical planning commission timeline, the application will likely be the subject of an early February public hearing.
 to operate an event venue, Eden Ridge, on 152 acres of A-1 zoned land.){kind=link}