Downtown Bar

Looking into the space from the main level.

Project details

• Project Name: Downtown Bar
• Location of Site: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
• Design Team: Johnsen Schmaling Architects
• Project Type: Bar / Lounge
• Client: Megan McCormick
• Contractor/s: KBS Construction, Inc.
• Site Area: 2,700 sf
• Built-up Area: 2,700 sf
• Date of completion: January 2008

Looking down from the mezzanine.

Words from the architect

The client required an enigmatic, timeless space for an upscale lounge and bar.

Overlooking the Milwaukee River, the bar is located in a small space carved out of an unexceptional commercial development on the southern edge of downtown Milwaukee.

Detail view of back-lit cellular plastic ribbon.

Exploded axonometric of principal design components.

In an effort to counteract the sterility of the building's cheap, antiseptic finishes, we designed an interior space with a high level of tactility, visual complexity, and drama. A deeply textured wood slat wall, echoing the enigmatic undulation of heavy stage curtains, leads from the building lobby into the bar area before it wraps overhead and cradles the mezzanine, where it transforms into a screen for intimate upper level seating.

The light ribbons serves as backdrop for the drama of life.

The rhythmic modulation of the wood slats, reinforced by a series of thin structural steel columns supporting the mezzanine, forms the backdrop for a continuous ribbon of back-lit, custom-fabricated cellular plastic panels weaving through the two-story space. Rising up from the main level bar, the ribbon runs along the ceiling above the main lounge seating before wrapping down again to form a small stage for nightly bands. Spatially, the light ribbon normalizes the skewed geometry of the room and ties together the programmatic elements on both levels.

Looking at the small stage for nightly bands.

In addition, it consolidates and veils the bar's entire technical infrastructure, avoiding the mechanical clutter that so often compromises the purity of commercial spaces. Atmospherically, the ribbon's deep red color washes the entire space with a sensuous incandescence, creating an ambiance for unapologetic aesthetic indulgence.

Juxtaposition of textured wood slats and light ribbon.

At night, the Downtown Bar emits its mysterious glow through a series of large custom sliding doors into Milwaukee's somber nights, subtly marking the resurgence of this downtown neighborhood.

The textured wood wall evokes the rhythm of heavy stage curtains.

View of the space from main level.

Credits

• Text and photographs courtesy of Johnsen Schmaling Architects