The Lumberyard is a community hub in the heart of downtown Seneca, IL, located at 113 William Street. The Lumberyard was created to bring people together, add new life to Seneca’s downtown, and give our community a place to Work, Shop, and Gather.
The Lumberyard’s History
For 100 years, Graves Lumberyard was a cornerstone of Seneca, owned and operated by the Graves family as a working lumberyard. This building was a cornerstone of the community, a place where generations gathered materials to build their homes & businesses, shared stories and strengthened the fabric of the town. After its closure, the building sat vacant for 18 years—its future uncertain.
In 2021, longtime Seneca residents Dave and Erin Stuedemann purchased the property from Bill Graves with a vision: to breathe new life into the historic space and transform it into something beautiful and useful for the community they love. Piece by piece, they restored and reimagined the old lumberyard into a vibrant hub for small businesses, creativity, and connection.
Today, The Lumberyard is more than just a building—it’s a Hub where local entrepreneurs can grow, neighbors can gather, and Seneca’s downtown can thrive. The Stuedemann’s hope is simple: that The Lumberyard continues to strengthen the heart of the community for generations to come.
Meet the Owners
- Dave Stuedemann has poured his skill and vision into The Lumberyard, renovating the building board by board into the vibrant space it is today. For many years, Dave built numerous homes in and around the Seneca area, leaving a lasting mark on the community with his craftsmanship. Today, he continues to work on his vision at The Lumberyard and is also the Owner and Manager of Stuedemann Radon Resolutions.
- Erin Stuedemann has been a trusted Coldwell Banker Real Estate Agent in the Seneca area for more than 20 years. Known for her honesty, care, and dedication, Erin has walked alongside countless families as they’ve made one of life’s biggest decisions—buying or selling a home. She’s now also dedicated to bringing life to The Lumberyard, spending energy in making it an amazing gathering place.
Together, Dave and Erin share not only a love for business but also a deep love for people and for Seneca.
They are joined by Suzanne Yandell, Operations Manager of The Lumberyard, who shares their love for Seneca and is raising her four children here with her husband.
Our Mission
Our mission at The Lumberyard is to honor a historic space by creating a vibrant destination where community, creativity, and opportunity flourish. From the aroma of coffee in Refuge Coffee & Co to the inspiration of Lumber Lane Gallery, the discoveries in our retail shop, The Rusty Rooster, the productivity of our offices, and the possibilities of what’s yet to come, we cultivate a place where people, ideas, and dreams grow together through collaboration and community.
Whether you’re stopping in to shop, exploring local art, or looking for the perfect spot to grow your business, we’re honored to welcome you here.
lumberyardseneca.com 