For Morgan Waggener, the owner of 500 District, her dream of joining the business world came true when she was just nineteen by opening the Heart of Michigan Cafe – a cafe with a full menu specializing in coffee that created an environment for the community and travelers to enjoy.
Morgan opened the 505 Cafe in December of 2015, but she wasn’t ready to stop there. A year after opening Heart of Michigan Cafe, Morgan continued on to open the Venue at 501 – the Cafe’s sister business – that has since hosted countless weddings, showers, and events.
She expanded again in the spring of 2017, opening The Upper Rooms Sleep Suites right above the Cafe. In July 2019, Heart of Michigan Cafe rebranded to 505 Cafe and expanded its menu to lunch options and handcrafted cocktails; then The 500 District was created.
In May of 2021, the 500 District expanded yet again and opened the Trap Door Speakeasy located beneath the Venue at 501. Morgan’s dream won’t stop there…stay tuned for what’s to come in the future for The 500 District!
Meet Alex, A proud Clare County native, Alex is passionate about bringing people together and giving back to her community through thoughtfully curated and beautifully organized events.
Alex is especially excited to be reconnecting with the 500 District—an area close to her heart. She previously worked as a barista and waitress at the beloved 505 Café, where she first developed meaningful relationships within the community and learned the importance of creating welcoming, memorable experiences for others.
Her love for planning was sparked while organizing her own wedding—a journey that revealed her natural talent for creativity, coordination, and attention to detail. Since then, she has helped friends and family plan weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and other small gatherings, growing her skills and deepening her passion for event planning along the way.
With a professional background as a preschool teacher, Alex brings a unique blend of patience, creativity, and organization to every event she touches. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and think on her feet makes her a trusted support for clients on their most important days.
What Alex enjoys most is watching a bride’s vision come to life, seeing the joy on guests’ faces, and knowing she helped create lasting memories. Looking ahead, Alex is eager to expand her role in the community by organizing events at The Venue at 501.
