A New Beginning...
Posted by Black Box Hospitality Group (Creator)
Hey Y'all.
Wanted to take a few minutes to provide a quick update on the happenings at the Gibbard Block. We've just received confirmation from the building owners that we will be taking possession of the space on March 15th, 2019. As you can imagine, there were some unforeseen hiccups in the renovation causing significant delays. It's what one can expect when thoroughly restoring an aged heritage building.
To say we're excited, would be the under-statement of the year. Giddy, ecstatic, etc. Time to dust of those steel-toes, make sure the Carhartt's still fit (after a winter of eating burger tests), and get at it.
We are going to push to open in phases now, as some of the entities are going to be easier to complete. Our tentative timeline is Highlands Liquor by May, and June's Delicatessen and Fox Burger by June, if not earlier.
Here's some pics we took a week and a bit ago:
Boiler Room
This is the original boiler that heated the building up to last spring. It's since been decommissioned (trust me, it needed to be), however, we wanted to preserve it as a historical design component. We'll be cleaning it up, clear coating in, and then build a speakeasy-style 20-person standup bar around it. The Boiler Room will be warm, intimate, and private. Dim lights, great drinks, and low ceilings that'll host all manner of gatherings. Nope, not just private events. We'll be hosting tastings and classes here too, and keep your eyes out for pop-ups in conjunction with some of the city's best barkeepers.
June's Delicatessen
This is the first look into June's Delicatessen. Situated on the northwest corner of the building, with tons of light that'll pour in through the beautiful frontages, you'll be able to bask in the sheer joy of a fresh bagel, housemade pastrami-cured salmon, buttered eggs, and a glass of sparkling should you so desire. The wall pictured in the foreground here shows some of the incredible building from centuries past, and this particular wall will be the division between Highlands Liquor and June's. And even more specifically, this wall will be entirely dedicated to a curated list of great Alberta-focussed beers.
Oh, and a little side note. June's Delicatessen is named after Mike's mom. June is an incredible woman, soft-spirited, vibrant, hilarious, and truly and infectious ray of sunshine.
Heritage Ceiling Component
One of the exciting, and challenging, parts of building out the Gibbard Block is trying to find a way to preserve the historical components, and mix them seamlessly with new materials. Pictured here are original tin ceiling panels that can be seen throughout the main floor spaces. These are just some of protected entities, which we're delicately working around. A true testament of the elegance and craft that existed ages ago.
Ok. So, that's it for the update this time. Now that were weeks from actually building out, which means closer to opening, we'll have a lot more to update. Excited to kick the doors open and get you all in and redeem those rewards with you!
If you have any questions, fire me a message.
Big respect, and stay tuned.
-Nate (and Mike)