About the Project
Nocterra Brewing Co decided to expand their local footprint by opening a new taproom and restaurant in downtown Columbus, but wanted to ensure it embodied their ‘Beer + Outside’ ethos. The Audubon Center offered the perfect space based on its location within Audubon State Park, being situated right off Lower Scioto Greenway, and next door to the Bloc Garten bouldering gym. With this new location, their customers could enjoy a seamless transition from urban outdoor activities like cycling and climbing to enjoying a meal and a beer at the taproom.
The build was a full-scale redevelopment – transforming 5,000 SF of former Lazarus distribution and warehouse space that has been vacant for years into a vibrant, two-story taproom and restaurant. The renovation features a custom steel mezzanine with a cozy wrap-around bar allowing views of a neighboring climbing gym. Beneath the mezzanine is a modern commercial kitchen allowing a full food menu. The main service floor offers a 30′ bar underneath a live plant wall. Outside there’s a spacious outdoor patio. The overall design seamlessly blends industrial elements with modern, high-end finishes, creating a unique environment for dining and socializing indoors and out.
Project Highlights
- Building Columbus Awards Honoree for Best New Retail/Restaurant in 2024
- Commercial Kitchen: A state-of-the-art setup open to the dining room allows customers a peek behind the scenes
- Custom Features: Concrete bars, bespoke cabinetry, waterfall wooden counters, open concept staircases give the space a modern and inviting aesthetic
- Outdoor Elements Inside: A live plant wall, wooden accents, green accent tile, huge roll up doors allow the space to seem effortlessly with the outdoors ethos of the Nocterra brand
- Upper-Level Mezzanine: Overlooks both the taproom and the adjacent climbing gym, offering a dynamic space for patrons.
- Expansive Outdoor Patio: Features custom metal railings and ample seating for outdoor dining.
- Industrial-Modern Design: Combines the character of the original industrial site with contemporary, high-end finishes.
- 6,880 total square feet
- 2,300 square foot mezzanine
- 1,200 square foot patio
- 86 linear feet of concrete countertop bar
Bringing the Brand to Life
To bring Norterra Brewing Co.’s “outdoors” ethos to life, Spectrum Builders worked closely with the design created by Nocterra and Shyft Collective to execute a vision that immerses patrons in nature-inspired elements. Central to this design is a striking live plant wall, serving as a vibrant focal point and a reminder of the outdoors. We carefully installed warm wooden accents, industrial metal finishes, and green accent tiles to reflect Shyft Collective’s thoughtful use of rugged and natural textures. Expansive storefront windows and large roll-up doors connect the indoors to the outdoor patio, where we incorporated bike parking, fire pits, and ample seating to create a seamless transition from outdoor adventures to relaxation. By faithfully implementing these design elements, we created a space that embodies Nocterra’s brand while offering a unique and inviting experience for their patrons.
Accommodating Ongoing Change
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Overcoming Space Constraints in MEP Installation
The primary challenge of this build was the compact footprint of the space and the lack of vertical space under the mezzanine, necessitating meticulous planning for the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. The limited headroom under the mezzanine required precise coordination to install ductwork, kitchen hoods, electrical systems, and plumbing with near-zero tolerance for error.
Our team collaborated closely with MEP contractors, reviewing and re-reviewing, and measuring and re-measuring, ensuring each component was accurately positioned. This strategic coordination minimized the risk of errors and ensured that all systems fit within the tight space available, maintaining the aesthetic and functional goals of the project.
End Result
For Nocterra Brewing Co.’s Audubon expansion project, Spectrum Builders played a pivotal role in bringing their ‘Beer + Outside’ vision to life in Downtown Columbus. The challenge was to turn an outdated, 5,000 SF warehouse space into a vibrant two-story taproom and restaurant, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor experiences. This required not only an understanding of Nocterra’s brand but also expertise in executing high-end design elements within strict budgetary and spatial limitations.
This project presented complex challenges typical of building modern spaces within older structures, especially in segmenting the open floor plan both laterally and vertically by introducing a custom mezzanine—a feat that requires meticulous planning, precise controls, and seamless collaboration with all trades.
From the beginning, we worked alongside Nocterra and Shyft Collective to preserve their vision amidst early permitting delays and escalating material costs. Our rapid and ongoing value-engineering review enabled cost-effective adjustments, maintaining quality while addressing budget constraints. Further, our meticulous approach to managing the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems allowed us to overcome the tight clearances under the mezzanine.
The result is a space that reflects Nocterra’s adventurous spirit, honors the area’s outdoor ethos, and offers patrons an inviting setting to relax with a local beer. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to adaptability, precision, and client-centered building, which Nocterra’s team will see celebrated in the Building Columbus Awards as the Best New Retail/Restaurant in 2024.