Mollie and David Stiles                    Ceremony & Reception

    NOVA 535 was the absolute perfect venue for our wedding and reception. We searched high and low for a non-beach, non-hotel, non-cliche wedding space in Tampa Bay. NOVA 535 hit the mark, and was so very much more! The building/event space are impeccable and the overall atmosphere is top notch. We are from the North East, and many of our guests kept commenting that they could not believe they were in Florida upon walking in the doors. It seemed like a slice of an Art Gallery in SoHo or the Village in ambiance and design.
    The art pieces displayed, the multi-dimensional lighting, epic sound-system, and gorgeous appointments are all lush and clean in concept. From the table settings, to the sleek couches and seating areas, to the great upstairs cocktail area, NOVA 535 truly is a remarkably elegant space.
    We would highly recommend NOVA 535 to anyone looking for an open, inviting, and engaging venue to hold any event. The flexibility of the building itself in use of space and its proprietor's willingness to accommodate almost any idea, truly makes it an easy choice for anyone looking to have a modern wedding reception. Thank you Michael, and all the staff, at NOVA 535 for making our day go smoothly, and for affording us and all of our guests such an outstanding experience,

David & Mollie Stiles 1/16/2010

Joni and Jim Jonas                   DAUGHTER'S WEDDING

Thank you for all of your assistance in providing the beautiful location for our daughter and son-in-law's wedding.

I certainly enjoyed working with you and all of your staff throughout the past year...everyone was so professional and helpful and flexible when necessary. You all have been wonderful to work with and Jim and I certainly appreciated all that you did for us.

NOVA 535 is a beautiful venue and the location was perfect for Antoinette and Sheen's wedding. They wanted a unique setting for the wedding and reception and your location provided that for them. I would highly recommend you to our friends.

Again, thank you for all that you did...your contribution to making their wedding such a memorable event is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Joni Jonas

Shirley & U.S. General (Ret) Leon Salomon          RECEPTION

Thank you very much for the quality, professional, and fun reception that NOVA 535 hosted for my daughter Kristen and her husband John on the 8th of November 2008. Attendees at the reception have gone out of their way to state to us the wonderful time they had at NOVA 535. Especially noteworthy was the courteous and responsive service provided by your staff.

Simply put, you put the "icing" on a wonderful day for my daughter and her husband.

Stephen Jenks                  ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY SUMMIT

I attended the Entertainment Industry Summit last night at your facility.  I just wanted to let you know that I was very impressed with the renovation work you have done at that property.  It is certainly a beautiful and unique concept.

Congratulations.

BTW, I was on your web site (nice job on that too!)

Manager Information Systems  |  Sheraton Sand Key Resort

Jowita L. Wysocka, Esq.                       FUNDRAISER

I’d like to thank you for making our fundraiser last Saturday a terrific success.  People are still commenting on the chic yet comfortable layout and design of NOVA 535, and several of them—including the president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association—are planning to hold their future events there.

Everything from the arrangement and settings of the tables, the colorful and dynamic presentation of the salad buffet on granite and marble slabs, the music, the lighting, the décor, and the overall ambience was perfect.  It definitely exceeded my expectations!  NOVA 535 offers extraordinary service and atmosphere for any event.  I will continue to recommend it to everyone I know.

Again, thank you.

The Fleming Law Group, P.A. | Lawyers for Literacy, Inc.

Petie and John Maguire                  DAUGHTER'S WEDDING

We recently contracted with NOVA 535 for our daughter's wedding and reception held on June 1, 2008 and I can't begin to tell you the calls we received the morning after praising NOVA 535 and your staff.

Having never had to plan a daughter's wedding before I was a little nervous, but from the first moment... I felt we were in capable hands and the "dreaded planning" of the wedding became a fun event. Kate always made time to meet with us, she took and returned every call I made to her, and gave us her expert opinion, which was invaluable and priceless.

The only mistake I feel I made was in not contracting with NOVA 535 to do the catering. For any future events we have at NOVA 535 you can be sure we will use NOVA 535 catering.

Thank you and Kate and all the staff that made our daughter's wedding such a memorable and pleasant event.

Sincerely,

Petie and John Maguire

DuPont Registry                        BEST NEW ART VENUE

        2008                                           in TAMPA BAY

Rachael Baker                        SUPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Sr. Product Development Specialist - TECH DATA

Hi Kate & Michael, I just wanted to say thanks for making Dave's surprise party so amazing! It was so easy working with both of you on all the details of the party. And, when we walked in the door, everything was just perfect and exactly how I imagined it would be. The food was wonderful... And Michael, you are the best and you know I love ya! Thanks for working with me on this unforgettable occasion! I'm sure we'll see you guys soon, whether it's at your next reception or at a Tech Data event. You know I'm one of your biggest fans! Don't forget that!

"What is Art?"                     2008 SILVER TELLY AWARD

                                               2008 CINE GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD

Short Film produced at NOVA 535 by Suzanne Niedland (Buseye Films), Directed by Aaron Wells (SB Productions) & Executive Produced by Michael S. Novilla (Lrn2Thnk Films)

Tampa Bay METRO              BEST ARTISTIC LOUNGE SPACE

 
          2008                                              in TAMPA BAY

Christopher Swink              CORPORATE NETWORKING MIXER

Thank you very much for a wonderful evening!  My guests could not stop talking about how amazing the food was...

Your staff couldn't have been more accommodating to my guests as well as my host speakers.  The attention to detail on the technology side was very apparent.  It allowed my host speakers to set their presentations up quickly, which allowed them plenty of time to enjoy the marvelous environment that is Nova.  

Thank you again for a wonderful evening.

Christopher Swink
Vice President--Investment Officer           WACHOVIA

Crissy McWilliams                    BABY SHOWER

"Wow… all I can say is WOW! We had an amazing event at NOVA 535. I think we successfully pulled off NOVA 535’s first unforgettable, chic and very sexy “Baby Shower.” Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your magnificent setting. It was so nice to be able to sit back, relax and talk girl talk and not have to worry about a thing.... food is, well to die for. Thank you so much for making our special day a memorable and unique one… one that will not be forgotten. NOVA 535 rocks!!!"

Ronald G. Hersch                         VIP FUNDRAISER DINNER                        

Thanks for a wonderful evening.  The studio/gallery/club is a great environment, the food was good and the service was excellent.

Ron

Vice President - Investments
UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Michael Bell                                   St. PETE PRIDE 2008                        

We had a great time at the St. Pete Pride events.  You have a great venue.  The Hospice Foundation is launching a new group aimed at emerging professionals and community leaders -- sort of a young philanthropists society.  We plan to meet 3 or 4 times a year and move the gatherings around the county.  NOVA 535 would be a great location. 

Thanks and have a great weekend.

Mike Bell
Executive Director
The Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast

Valerie Bickford                         CORPORATE FILM SHOOT

I was just writing to inform everyone of a fantastic location we have found locally, Nova 535.  The owner, Michael Novilla, was an absolute pleasure to work with.  He’s an advocate of the film community and wishes to pursue his venue as a future shooting location for not just HSN but also independent film.  Please send the word out to other Producers about our pleasant experience in dealing with Michael Novilla and Nova 535. 

Sr.Producer/Director                

Dot.com GS/VA                     Home Shopping Network  

Emily J. Burts                          INTIMATE DINNER PARTY

Hi Michael,

Great food, great atmosphere. I have a feeling that your venue idea is going to be very successful. And you are a great host!

Emily J. Burts

Art Collection Curator             Raymond James Financial

Michael Chomick                       ART EXHIBITION VIP OPENING

Dear Michael,

Yes I have enjoyed, so far, my two experiences at your new and hip spot: Nova 535. The first time was for the opening of Theo and Jay’s two-person exhibition.

As the Head Preparator for the Ringling Museum of Art I was very impressed with the installation. In particularly the lighting of the works. With the scale of the works, and how they were lit, they just popped out at the viewer from in front of the dark brick background. Excellent!

My only observation would be: is this a gallery space, or a large open event venue with art adorning the walls? I can see it as both. Depending on the event this space can reinvent itself each time, which is your design for the space.

All-in-all, the space that you have created is definitely a major draw for the art scene in St. Petersburg.

Take care, Michael

Head Preparator                   RINGLING MUSEUM of ART

Melissa Webb                           AFTER PARTY for FILM FESTIVAL

Sky Brooks Productions / Film Director

"I had such a great time at NOVA 535 for our Sunscreen Film Festival After Party. It was perfect!  It was so great to see all of the people I don't usually get to see but work with in films. I love that there is now a place like NOVA 535 here in St. Pete. I loved the whole design from the artwork on the walls to the girls (and guys) bathroom! But really the whole feel was great. The music wasn't to loud where you had to yell at the people that you are trying to talk to but loud enough to hear and dance to. I liked the outside area and the VIP area. I will definitely have my film parties at NOVA. I will start introducing all my friends to NOVA 535!!!"

D. "Rep" DeLoach, III             FUND RAISER & COCTAIL PARTY

Zodiac Group

"A great big thank you for last night! NOVA 535... great job for our event. This was probably the best event the Zodiac Group has ever done and I can easily say that your venue was such an integral piece of it. Among other things, our party highlighted NOVA 535 and I hope it brings you future events.   

Thank you for working with us, for giving us so much time for setup and for just being such a visionary and having this venue in the first place.  It is my sincere hope that we can have many, many more events with NOVA 535. 

Also, the catering just could not have been any better. The food was simple, delicious and thoughtful. Also, loved the chocolate cake!"

Audrey Snow                     CONDE NASTE NETWORKING PARTY

Audrey Snow Photography

"Where do I begin to give you feedback on the lovely NOVA 535? I have no criticism, only praise. The space is beautiful. You obviously put a lot of thought into the details. It is extremely accommodating, but more importantly, it is cool. It is the type of venue that makes party hosts look like they have style. The brick, the wood, the iron, the glass... such simple elements, but soooo sexy. And then of course there's the art. Provocative, whether taking center stage or acting as a moody backdrop. I'm already trying to figure out a party of my own to host there! I hope you don't mind if I blog about you and NOVA 535. Thank you for hosting our event. It was really nice to meet you and see your new home."

Tony Armer & Derek Miner          FILM FESTIVAL AFTER PARTY

St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Society / Co-Founders

"The St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Society would like to thank NOVA 535 and their staff for their outstanding support of the 2008 Sunscreen Film Festival. Your generous donation of NOVA 535 for our closing night party was very much appreciated.

NOVA 535 and its staff were top notch and we would not hesitate to utilize your services for any of our future events. We truly think it’s one of the top spots in the Tampa Bay area to hold any type of event. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you more in the future."

Bob McJennett                            BIRTHDAY DINNER PARTY

"...great time had by all at your NOVA 535.  The party came off superbly. The food from Hooks was very good.  I also appreciated how the meal was presented.  The decision to have salad served and main entree offered by buffet allowed those at my table to acquaint themselves with each other.  The buffet which followed, returned us to the feeling of freedom to mingle...which was great for many of us who had not yet had an opportunity to say hello or introduce ourselves to other guests.  Your rehab (an old pet store?) is first rate.  The underlying brick of the structure just screams to be left exposed.  Super job with the lighting.  I particularly enjoyed the multicolored lighting on the west entrance wall.  It illuminates the texture of the walls.  Leaving the gallery ceiling full height was a nice architectural design choice.  Not only does it make the gallery space seem grand, it adds to the intimacy of the upstairs space.  And, what I assume to be steel work you had done on the upstairs outdoor patio was brilliant.  It creates a third space, which has a different feel from the others.  Speaking of metal work, where did you get the decorative pieces which are under the upstairs railing.  I didn't notice but perhaps they are the same design of those under the railings of the two stairways.  Bravo...great work!"

Chuck Majewski                            GO NOVA EVENT

"The artwork was outstanding and so was your gallery, AND so were the people in attendance. 1st class all the way. The spot lighting set up was perfect, the painted images really did seem to float in thin air. And the changing mood lighting kept it almost like the building was alive. I need to tell my LA and NYC buds about it. We have something they don't, space to play around in. The only gallery I have been in that's close was the Robert Bane Gallery in Beverly Hills. A big open space. But new, you just can't get new what your building oozes in history."

Helen Hameroff                            SUPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY

"I hosted a surprise birthday dinner buffet party at NOVA 535.  My overall experience was excellent.  The facility is a unique classy and artistic venue unlike any other in the area.  Kate, the Catering Manager, was a joy to work with.  She is knowledgeable and efficient, which eliminated any stress for me.  I would definitely plan another event at NOVA 535 or be happy to attend as a guest!"

Lilly Castro                                    BUSINESS LUNCHEON       

Thank you again for the tour and lunch today.  I enjoyed it.  You have a great place and I know you will be very successful.

Kate did a great job with lunch, by the way.

Lilly Castro

Freedom Bank of America

JONATHAN GRABER                    NEXTGEN & ISCS NETWORKING                        

I thought the food was very good as well and the service was great.

I have heard nothing but positive things about 535 from the atmosphere, service, etc.

Thanks again for working with us to make it happen!

Leasing representative

SEMBLER Corp.

Betsy Scheueri                             LUNCHEON

Thanks for your wonderful hospitality.  I was very impressed with your space and will definitely keep you in mind for any upcoming events.  I’m going to have to make time to make it to one of your evening events at some point.  I’d love to see the place in action. 

Good luck in your endeavors. 

Marketing & PR Coordinator
St. Anthony's Hospital

Bridget Meyer                              BUSINESS LUNCHEON

Hi Michael,

I enjoyed my experience at Nova 535 so much!  I know it sounds like a cliché, however, the feeling hits you as soon as you walk in the door that this is special!  The building and decor is amazing, you've done a fabulous job; the luncheon was really delightful and the company was great!  You definitely have a winning combination!!!

I can't think of a thing that I would change, I am going to promote it as much as possible!

Thanks so much for having Dave and I.

Account Executive

duPont REGISTRY Tampa Bay

Elena C. Jones                              EVENT PLANNER

Elena C. Jones Productions / Wedding & Event Producer

"I am so excited that finally, a special event and meeting venue has arrived. I have been waiting for a very long time for such a gorgeous, modern, slick, sexy- renovated "1920’"s structure. I am amazed of the 7,000 square feet, and the 2 stories with the multiple rooms. It is truly a very unique venue that I can't wait to show it off to my clients."