Recipient of Cincinnati Design Award (CDA 17), 2013

Built-work category

Igby’s is a four-level, 7000 square foot bar in a re-purposed c.1900 brick and heavy timber building in downtown Cincinnati. To visually open and connect the multi-floor space, nearly one-third of the interior timber floor structure was removed. The resulting 3-floor atrium, double height Library Lounge, and a private penthouse mezzanine animate the large volume and open views between the levels.

The removal of so much interior structure on this hundred year-old unreinforced masonry structure required the introduction of a complex steel support structure. The salvaged wood joists were milled in half and used as paneling on all interior walls.  The original brick walls and remaining wood joists were exposed.

The unfinished industrial aesthetic of Igby’s envelope is contrasted by luxurious finishes and furnishings. In the Main Bar a large Italianate cut-stone fireplace anchors seating upholstered in leather and tapestry. Across a custom designed porcelain tiled floor, hand-dyed wallpaper rises from the Billiards Room through the atrium.  In the Library Lounge a second stone mantel, 20 foot high velvet drapery, a custom 7-foot diameter glass chandelier, an over-dyed antique oriental carpet, and a back-lit glass bar top exude luxury.

The Righteous Room Bar is a total reconstruction of one of Cincinnati’s oldest bars – the Phoenix. The dilapidated conditions of the bar and the four-story building required complete replacement of all interior features, including the first floor joists. The only surviving element is the original stamped ceiling in the main bar room, which was repaired and painted crimson.

Our selected materials and designed furniture and millwork suggest a nineteenth century saloon, while also inserting contemporary mechanics such as heating and air conditioning, fire suppression systems, club-level sound system and video monitors concealed behind mirrors, and lighting.  Local artists were employed to produce paintings, stained glass, mosaic tile, and an etched zinc bar top.

The project included removal of a rear one-story addition to create an exterior courtyard (with the mosaic bar and live DJ), the design of three loft condominiums on the upper floors, acoustic floor and wall systems, and the restoration of the building façade and storefront.

Recipient of Cincinnati Design Award (CDA 13), 2009

Retail

The Lackman Bar is located on a prominent corner in Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The upper floors of this significant 19th century building had been converted to condominiums, leaving a 980 sf portion of the street level that had originally housed a pub for the Lackman Brewery undeveloped.  The intent of this project was to restore this corner as a neighborhood “watering hole” specializing in craft beers and small batch spirits.

The only remaining historic element in the space was the dynamic mosaic tile floor, which was carefully exposed and restored. All other surfaces and fixtures were designed and specified including the maple, mahogany, and leather bar, the eight-foot high leather banquette, custom fabricated light sconces and chandeliers, imported Lincrusta rear wall covering, locally crafted stained glass, and wall mirror crafted from stamped tin ceiling panels. The design blends the traditional with the contemporary; using color and pattern to establish a lively atmosphere and promote social interaction. This concept extends even to the communal restroom sink area.

Recipient of Cincinnati Design Award, 2007

Commercial singular space

Recipient of Cincinnati Design Award, 2006

Commercial under 3,500 SF

Recipient of Cincinnati Design Award, 2007

Adaptive Use

Recipient of Cincinnati Design Award, 2008

Retail