Sagamore Hill Lounge

Completed 2018

2,360 square feet

Construction cost under $250,000, specifics withheld

Located in Portland’s bustling West End neighborhood, the over-sized lobby of an apartment building was begging to become something greater. The existing mosaic floor and gorgeous arched windows were historic details that the client wanted to preserve while creating a modern, cozy bar with presidential flair. The touchstones for this design were Teddy Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill trophy room (at his summer White House), and the contemporary Portland vibe. The client wanted a thoughtful, modern reinterpretation while avoiding a kitschy recreation of a hunting lodge.

Because the space is a few feet above street level, we had to pay special attention to the ceiling. We arrived at a unique feature over the bar that evokes both the nautical traditions of Portland while perhaps hinting at some of the elements from Teddy’s trophy room (elephant tusks anyone?). Artfully placed taxidermy, both antique and sculptural, evokes a lodge-like feel without being too heavy or dramatic. Patrons perched at the bar along the window can watch the streetscape below while sipping on a seasonal signature cocktail, while small groups can comfortably convene in the classy banquettes.

Measure 2: Design for Community

The bar is located on a busy street in downtown Portland. It is easy to walk to, there are many buses that pass nearby, and bike racks are onsite. The renovation of the space required minimal site disturbance within the building and various materials from the original rendering were reused.

Measure 4: Design for Water

Water conservation is an important feature in any build, particularly one that serves drinks. The design included low-flow fixtures and a heat pump water heater.

Measure 6: Design for Energy

The renovation allowed us the opportunity to place an integrated energy monitoring system so our clients could monitor and adjust their energy usage. We also installed a fresh air ventilation system that includes heat recovery for fresh outside air inside the space during all operating hours.

Measure 7: Design for Wellness

As mentioned, the fresh air ventilation system creates the best indoor air quality of any bar in town. The tall windows extend below the bar along the wall, and are etched halfway down to create privacy while still allowing light to flow through. Low-VOC finishes were used throughout the space.

Measure 8: Design for Resources

Recycled and reclaimed materials took precedence throughout the renovation. Because of the nature of the business, we designed the space with durability and low maintenance in mind. We specified metal panels for the walls along high traffic areas and durable tile at the main entry.