Problem:
Pat and Kelly, wanted to take on a big project and convert an old industrial building- a
chair factory- into a high-end wedding venue. This space was a huge undertaking, with no
plumbing, bare bones electric and no solid flooring we had our work cut out for us! The theme was rather obvious to all involved, industrial shabby chic. This project took the better part of a year.
Solution:
The floor had to come up 2’ just to meet floodplain, so we chose to stick with the concrete finish, yet added a metallic copper stain for richness & color. Thanks to Sean Lattimore from Oak & Vine, 200 original Mottville chairs came back home to be used for table seating. We agreed to retain as much authenticity as possible, thus keeping the garage door, metal pulleys, heavy chains and original lighting, since we wanted what was new and original to seamlessly blend together. We only painted the concrete block walls in the garage a light grey, and left the distressed limestone finish alone, after a solid cleaning. I was firm about the trim color, black, to tie in all the iron metal elements & add sophistication.
Stone work included opening the second floor windows to accommodate over look balconies, thanks to the handy metal work of local anvil ringer Chandler Dickinson. He also fashioned the beautiful hardware to support the 20’ high hand-made linen curtains made by Window Attire’s owner Diana O’Brien. Using a fallen tree from the property, materials were ready for the raw edge bar top & shelving, bathroom vanity tops and stair treads. A forgotten stored piece of frosted green wavy glass served as the bar façade- that we back lit- and bar stools made of wood & metal tie all our elements together.
The brown glass bowl sinks in the restrooms add a modern twist paired with antique chandeliers & mirrors. The biggest brain child of the project was knocking through a wall to install a double-sided stone fireplace, to be enjoyed both inside and out on the gorgeous patio overlooking the stream. Other creative odds & ends were salvaged like doors, iron gates and iron & glass outdoor lighting, again seamlessly transition into the space. The gigantic crystal chandelier that hangs through the second story opening next to the stairwell landing was also a key re-purposed find.
Throughout the renovations, I wanted to do something special to the wall adjacent to the bar. It was crying out as the perfect backdrop for photo opps, showcasing the Sinclair brand with elegance & flair. I knew creating a mosaic was the answer, and with a little convincing to all parties, we moved forward with this group install. Chandler mounted his hand-cut rusted metal “S” and neighbor Keith Traub had the rusted metal circle in his workshop, for the frame.
This project was really a joy and involved a great team of sharp minds. Please consider booking this venue for your event, it truly is a unique spot!
