Element was brought in by the Landlord of the Northwestern building in the North Loop to manage the conversion of a small former eyeglass retail space into to a high-end restaurant and entertainment destination. Working with Joseph and Veronica Clark, owners of neighboring clothing store D.Nolo, as well as the building’s Landlord, Element was able to help convert the space into a quaint social house they envisioned to complement their established brand and fashionable clientele.
The client’s goal of the project was to retain the base building industrial finishes while providing a warm, intimate and hospitable vibe. It was critical to maintain the integrity of the shell building and uniqueness of the small existing footprint while introducing a bar and kitchen into the space. The project included architect Infinite Group LTD and contractor Dering Pierson Group who were each tasked to meet the varying requirements of the shell building, FDA, Health Code, and City of Minneapolis within this small repositioned space. By adding a kitchen on the mezzanine with sinks, grill, exhaust, HVAC, as well as a new restroom on the main level the team was able to overcome schedule and budget obstacles to complete the space. Additionally, with three different interior finished floor elevations inside this quaint space, a unique solution was implemented for ADA acceptability by introducing a Lula lift commercial elevator.
Rounding out the project were high end finishes acceptable to health department and landlord requirements that also met the tenant’s aesthetic vision. Opening in 2019, Cobble Social House provides craft cocktails and an exquisite Mexican-inspired menu in a candlelit atmosphere. The cozy ambiance in this unique cocktail bar has brought activity to a block that was mostly office, contributing to a safer, more revitalized historic alley way in the North Loop neighborhood.