Raising the Curtain at Encore
New cocktail bar brings Art Deco-inspired gathering space to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square By Jill Lackey + Properties Staff | Photos by Dylan Palchesko
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ucked inside the Lumen Building (1580 Euclid Ave.) in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square district, Encore opened in December 2025 as an intimate lounge designed to complement the energy of one of the city’s most active entertainment corridors. At just 1,120 square feet and limited to an occupancy of 49, the project delivers a strong sense of atmosphere and identity despite its compact footprint. Designed by DS Architecture with Larsen Architects, Encore is conceived as a pre- and post-theater destination, where guests can enjoy crafted cocktails and curated upscale snacks in a cozy, elegant atmosphere. The bar occupies what was previously an empty white-box space, according to Mark Huebner, project manager with Larsen Architects. “This space was entirely custombuilt from the ground up, preserving only the storefront windows and door,” Huebner says. The project was overseen by owner and developer, Abbas Mandviwala, who took a hands-on role throughout the process. Rather than hiring a separate construction manager, Mandviwala coordinated directly with the design and construction teams.
“He was deeply involved and incredibly organized,” says James Carlucci, owner of Form Construction, LLC, which served as both builder and fabricator on the project. “That level of engagement helped streamline decisions and allowed us to move quickly once everything was finalized.”
Setting the scene
The concept for Encore was developed by DS Architecture, who established the core layout and overall design intent for the space. From there, Larsen Architects translated that vision into a fully functioning architectural set. DS Architecture also led the interior design, defining the look, feel and material direction that would shape the guest experience. The architectural and interior design draws heavily from the visual language
of the surrounding theater district, Huebner explains. “Modern, Art Deco-inspired elements echo the theater district styling,” Huebner says. “Antique mirror backpanels and glass shelving create an ‘infinity’ effect. The polished bar surface provides a solid, cool-toned contrast to the warm, soft textures of the walls and lighting, grounding the space and creating an intentional focal point.” Color drenching played a central role in shaping the interior experience, with walls, moldings and ceilings painted the same shade of red. “The space is dominated by a deep, saturated, monochromatic red,” Huebner notes. “This choice evokes the feeling of velvet stage curtains and creates an intimate, ‘sultry’ atmosphere. The red walls serve as a rich backdrop that allows the www.propertiesmag.com 37