An Idea Distilled

JEMA recently competed for a new St. Louis-based craft distillery tasting venue and production facility. The concept is a deconstruction of an existing group of warehouses and industrial buildings in the Grove area. Our design envisions a new year-round “indoor/outdoor” grand public room where gatherings big and small can take place.

The existing structure is re-clad using weathering steel panels that provide protection against rain and snow while allowing sunlight and views. The grand room features a series of Penny-farthings that also act as light fixtures. The Penny-farthings recall the distillery’s brand, but also make a connection to the upcoming new bicycle infrastructure lanes along Vandeventer Road. The grand room is a private and public space that reaches out to the urban fabric and invites the community.