First Place: Bastone

2023 Retail Renovation Competition

PROJECT SCOPE: Maintaining an existing bar while building a new bar façade and bar top to create a dual-purpose bar with mozzarella production on one end and beverage service on the other. Other updates included:

• Redirecting entry into the space from the front, which faces a busy city street, to the side near a parking deck.
• Converting a storage room into a pasta room for production by day and private parties by night.
• Expanding the bathrooms, including adjusting their walls and plumbing lines, to make them ADA-compliant.

MAJOR CHALLENGES: Sound was a very big concern. To provide a more pleasing sound experience, an acoustical consultant was brought in and advised applying sound panels to the underside of the space’s deck. That installation buffers the echo and sound transmission within the space.

UNIQUE FEATURES: In tribute to the fresh mozzarella made on-site, the existing brick walls were painted off-white, while a light basketweave tile was chosen for the floor. The result, designers say, is a bright and airy atmosphere. Lighting includes round-ball chandeliers and sconces that resemble balls of moz. The designers also drew inspiration from the Bastone card, an Italian playing card, using red, gold and olive throughout the space. Other visual and textural elements include gold tufted banquettes featuring contrasting red buttons and two-tone olive and gold tufted barstools adorned with brass nailhead trim.

Timeless European influences, such as damask wallcoverings and bentwood chairs, were also incorporated into the design, and mirrors were installed in such a way as to bounce light around the space. Serving as accents in the dining room are plants and greenery, which also add a feeling of freshness.

PHOTO GALLERY (7 IMAGES)