COME TOGETHER

Design duo Journey + Jacobs created a space that brings people together for good at Ten20 Craft Brewery

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Lang Thomas Interiors

Though the craft brewery movement has certainly moved the needle, the prevailing sentiment is that beer is a manly man's drink. As such, most purveyors play into this narrative with uninspired tap rooms heavy on concrete and stainless steel. That certainly could have been the route taken by the ownership group at Louisville's Ten20 Craft Brewery, particularly considering the $5.5 million buildout in the Butchertown neighborhood began with the shell of a 28,000 square-foot industrial building formerly home to meat processing facility known as Dryden Provisions. Instead, they went against the grain, calling on Jaclyn Journey and Amanda Jacobs of Journey + Jacobs to create a proper neighborhood gathering place.

When they first hung out their shingle a decade ago, most of Jaclyn's and Amanda's clients were residential, with commercial commissions picking up steam in recent years. "There's something about designing for the masses that has such as draw for us," said Amanda.

"Rather than specify a particular look, the owners requested an interior design that was upscale, gender-neutral, and conveyed feelings of warmth and belonging," Jaclyn explained. "In short, they wanted a place where they'd want to hang out." The existing building consisted of massive cooler rooms, and the designing duo embraced the original, industrial aspects to create the main taproom with a bar and several distinct lounge areas. At present, this 5,000-square-foot area can accommodate 120 lucky patrons, with another 60 in the outdoor beer garden. At full capacity, the facility, which will include a second floor and rooftop deck with panoramic views of Louisville, will accommodate 1,300 people.

Presenting an organic, collected-over-time aura with mix-and-match seating in the various lounge areas, the application of wood tones, leather, new and vintage textiles, live plants, stone, and tile softens the factory facets. At first glance, the vibe, which straddles the space between mid-century and modern, is more of what you'd expect in a coolkid coffeehouse than a brewery. Existing load-bearing columns in the main taproom are clad in custom-made tiles by local artisan Kristen Falkirk of Falkirk Tileworks to create statement pieces that Amanda refers to as "a little Morocco and a little Kentucky quilt."

Existing support columns were made into focal points with custom tile by Kristen Falkirk of Falkirk Tileworks.

When temporary walls had to be erected in the main taproom, the design duo ingeniously used a trompe-l'œil technique, applying lime paint to the plywood to mimic concrete. Mounted to the plywood are large block letters in the same color that spell out the company's ethos, "Bringing People Together For Good." The come-one, come-all attitude extends to families, with a selection of indoor and outdoor games and plenty of room to roam.

As a major cog in the wheel of Butchertown's revitalization, Ten20's ownership group understands that part of being a good neighbor means being reflective of the neighborhood. To that end, they commissioned Toya Northington, a Louisville native and textile artist, to create a collage in an anteroom at the front of the brewery. Alive with color and texture, it dances across an entire wall as a visual depiction of the artist's experience as a black woman in Louisville.

The mix-and-match furniture style lends a home-like appeal that feels unique among the ever-growing mix of new breweries.

A wall of windows near the long bar provides a peek into the heart of the brewery, where lauded head brewer Larry Horwitz oversees the 20-barrel system. The designers remarked that conversations with Larry early on in the process were instrumental in guiding aspects of the design. As of press time, there were 11 brews on tap, including flagship beers and seasonal selections. If beer isn't your drink of choice, there's also an excellent selection of bourbon, wine, and other spirits on tap, as well as non-alcoholic hop water. Until plans for an on-site food concept are implemented, Ten20's food partner, Happy Belly Bistro, is on-site with their food truck Thursday through Saturday. "

We believe that good design is conducive to good conversation," said Amanda. Based on the steady stream of clients enjoying the newest neighborhood watering hole, albeit a safe distance from one another at the moment, the convivial atmosphere is an indication of a job well done. sl

Located at 1020 East Washington Street, just a few blocks from the Louisville City FC's Lynn Family Stadium, TEN20 is open seven days a week, opening at 3 p.m. on weekdays, noon on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit ten20brewery.com.