There is a property at the corner of Shaffer and 32nd Street, known as the old Tassel Ranch (Stormy Creek Ranch) that is now the site of an equine therapy program and Venue3Two, one of the most unique event venues in the whole greater Grand Rapids area.
Originally, this was a 700-acre cattle ranch in what was then Paris Township. This beautiful "mansion" was built in 1925 on the property by the McFarlane’s. In the 1950’s, Leslie Tassel purchased the property to build his tool and die plant on the north side of 32nd Street. With his love for horses, Leslie eventually moved his family into the house and began raising show horses, buffalo, elk and zebras. Through the years, the property was slowly developed and the only remaining parcel was the 23 acre site with the horse barns, indoor arena and the mansion. Eventually Leslie and his family moved out of the house and it lay vacant for over 15 years.
In January of 2016 it was seen as a perfect place to house EAD, Equine Assisted Development, where horses are used in a non-riding program to help empower and teach one’s potential for greatness to families at risk, underprivileged children and the rescued human trafficked.
At that time, Dwight & Karen Strayer created an organization called 3 Two Ranch, a Low-Profit Limited Liability Corporation, and purchased the property. Immediately renovations began on the caretaker’s house, horse barn and indoor arena. In May of that year EAD moved their horses and operations to the property. 3 Two Ranch was created to enable EAD to have rent-free use of this perfectly located property, in the middle of Kentwood and on a city bus route with easy access for those wanting and needing their services.
In August of 2016 Dwight & Karen turned their focus to the beautiful 1920’s mansion on the property. The decision was made to convert the house into an event center named Venue3Two. The house took just over a year to restore into what it is today, one of the most unique and beautifully restored venues in the Grand Rapids area. In February of 2019 the stunning addition that seats 225 people for weddings, meetings, fundraisers and parties will be completed.
The entire property will continue to be improved into what will be an equine estate setting in the City. Dwight & Karen have created Venue3Two to support 3 Two Ranch and it's success will allow us to give to select missions that help the rescued human trafficked, families and children at risk and previously incarcerated in finding wholeness, healing and life-giving help.
Originally, this was a 700-acre cattle ranch in what was then Paris Township. This beautiful "mansion" was built in 1925 on the property by the McFarlane’s. In the 1950’s, Leslie Tassel purchased the property to build his tool and die plant on the north side of 32nd Street. With his love for horses, Leslie eventually moved his family into the house and began raising show horses, buffalo, elk and zebras. Through the years, the property was slowly developed and the only remaining parcel was the 23 acre site with the horse barns, indoor arena and the mansion. Eventually Leslie and his family moved out of the house and it lay vacant for over 15 years.
In January of 2016 it was seen as a perfect place to house EAD, Equine Assisted Development, where horses are used in a non-riding program to help empower and teach one’s potential for greatness to families at risk, underprivileged children and the rescued human trafficked.
At that time, Dwight & Karen Strayer created an organization called 3 Two Ranch, a Low-Profit Limited Liability Corporation, and purchased the property. Immediately renovations began on the caretaker’s house, horse barn and indoor arena. In May of that year EAD moved their horses and operations to the property. 3 Two Ranch was created to enable EAD to have rent-free use of this perfectly located property, in the middle of Kentwood and on a city bus route with easy access for those wanting and needing their services.
In August of 2016 Dwight & Karen turned their focus to the beautiful 1920’s mansion on the property. The decision was made to convert the house into an event center named Venue3Two. The house took just over a year to restore into what it is today, one of the most unique and beautifully restored venues in the Grand Rapids area. In February of 2019 the stunning addition that seats 225 people for weddings, meetings, fundraisers and parties will be completed.
The entire property will continue to be improved into what will be an equine estate setting in the City. Dwight & Karen have created Venue3Two to support 3 Two Ranch and it's success will allow us to give to select missions that help the rescued human trafficked, families and children at risk and previously incarcerated in finding wholeness, healing and life-giving help.