The historic Donnybrook building, at the corner of W. Main and Base Streets, Morrison, IL, opened its new chapter today, Friday, December 5, 2025, as Gold Venture LLC. It is now owned by the Kalyan family. Morrison Chamber of Commerce celebrated their stewardship of this downtown landmark with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Manreet and Melanie Kalyan, along with their children Ariana and Dylan, marked the occasion, alongside Chamber of Commerce officials and business leaders. The 203 W. Main Street property has anchored Morrison’s commercial district since the 1890s.
The two-story brick building represents both Morrison’s heritage and its forward momentum. Former owners Robert and Debby Vaughn transformed the former Brands Heating and Cooling property and had a new turret fabricated. After Pete Harkness became the building owner, he had the topper installed, as his “Christmas gift to Morrison,” in December 2023. Two years later, on December 5, he passed the torch to the Kalyans earlier this year.
“Pete did something special here. He didn’t just restore a building, he brought back a piece of Morrison’s soul,” said Manreet Kalyan during the ceremony. “When we walked through it again this year, we knew we wanted to be part of keeping that momentum going. This isn’t just about owning real estate. It’s about being caretakers of something that matters to this community.”
The Donnybrook building acquisition aligns with the Kaylan family’s expanding business interests across multiple sectors. By month’s end, they will close on another acquisition, but it is still rooted in the Midwest. Manreet stated, “There is something powerful about businesses that stay connected to their communities while reaching beyond them.”
Located on the Historic Lincoln Highway, the Donnybrook building sits at a critical intersection in Morrison’s ongoing downtown revitalization. The mixed-use property contributes to the area’s economic vitality through its retail tenant, long-term rental income, and short-term accommodations that bring hundreds of visitors annually to patronize local businesses.
During renovations, workers discovered preserved 19th century mercantile signage within the walls–a reminder of the building’s long-standing role in Morrison commercial life. The Ribbon Cutting celebration suggests that tradition will continue.
“We’re excited about what’s ahead,” Kaylan noted. “Between this beautiful building in Morrison and the professional services firm we’re about to finalize, we are positioning ourselves to create value in different ways–but always with an eye toward strengthening the communities we’re part of.”
The Kalyan family’s investment philosophy – spanning from Main Street properties to professional service firms – reflects a broader strategy of diversification, while maintaining strong regional roots. Their commitment to preserving the Donnybrook building’s character, while ensuring its economic viability, demonstrates how historic preservation and business growth can work hand-in-hand.
As Morrison continues its downtown renaissance, the Donnybrook stands as both a testament to the past and a beacon for the future–now under the care of owners committed to honoring both.