ABOUT US

Let's throw it way back.

I doubt you ever think about how people kept food cold back in the day before refrigerators were invented. Up until the 1930’s there was a process called “Ice Harvesting” where people without full time winter work (mostly farmers) would cut ice blocks from frozen ponds and lakes and transport it across the country via railroad. These ice blocks would be transported to buildings called Ice Store Houses. These were basically massive buildings with great insulation that would either be a break for the blocks to chill out until the next destination (so they didn’t melt too much in warmer weather), or to sell directly to the consumer for keeping preserving their food.  

That’s where our building comes into play. 301 N Campbell Street was built in 1926. Located right next to the railroad tracks, it was the perfect location for housing ice. While the ice harvesting industry declined with the invention of refrigeration, ice store houses were no longer needed. This is when the building turned into a grain and feed store. Later in the 1990’s, this building got converted into a bar where the Pace Hotel (and bar) had to relocate due to the government exercising their power of eminent domain to tear the building down to widen and reroute US Highway 136.  

As this renovation was taking place, underground water storage tanks were removed and in-floor heating was added along with the other updates to convert this building into what you probably know as The Change of Pace up until mid 2022.

This building was bought August of 2022 with plans to modernize the atmosphere and conserve the memories of the beloved Change of Pace that everyone once loved. Our goal was to bring this building back to life while still preserving the history, hence the name “Ice House”. Macomb, Illinois is a unique place to market a bar to, as there are 2 main demographics, people of the town and students. Both of these markets thrive for an atmosphere to network, mingle, and create great memories, and that is what we want to make happen.  

The Ice House is a place we want to provide quality experiences, services, and products to anyone who walks through our door.

Here are some perks about our establishment:

- Full bar with quick and exceptional service (accepting cash AND card payments)

- Concession stand with quick (and delicious) eats for convenience

- Pool table and two dart boards inside, bags and pingpong in beer garden (weather permitting)

- Security and staff highly trained for guests safety in mind

- Clean and stocked bathrooms (if you know, you know)

- Packages for private event scheduling DJs, live bands, and unique events planned

- SO MUCH MORE, YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

With the 8 months of renovation, our team takes a lot of pride in the construction and back work of this project, so if at any time anything is not up to par please let us know and we will try any corrective measures to fix it.