The restaurant is located in the new 4400 S. Cottage Grove mixed-use building. Forming part of the 84-unit complex that combines 38 affordable apartments, 21 public housing apartments, and 25 market-rate apartments above a ground-floor retail area.
The location was chosen for the restaurant due to its central location and is intended to form part of a community hub for the arts, music and local creators. The long 2,500 sq ft storefront can be used for performances, exhibitions and events and is adorned with metal pendants which hang from the ceiling creating soft, warm light.
Upon approach from the street visitors will pass a minimal steel trellis that creates a flora canopy over the outdoor seating area. The glass entry door features bottles from black-owned wineries set against a wall of pre-finished baltic birch and collage work from local artists Krista Franklin. Custom 3D-printed win support pegs sit above custom bar stools from Titobi Studios, a local designer.
Left from the bar, the dining room is fitted with baltic birch built-in benches with recycled polyester upholstery. Above this are several rotating local art collections set against exposed recycled natural material. In the centre of the room are half walls with greenery-filled planters and on the far side is a DJ booth.
Bronzeville Winery’s main design concept is about creating a backdrop for the curated experiences that Eric and Cecilia are bringing around food, wine, art, and music. The architecture is intended to be a showcase for amazing artists and designers from the Chicago community, while creating a welcoming feeling so that the experience of restaurant patrons takes center stage.
Ann Lui, Architect, Future FirmIn addition, Future Firm worked alongside B. Leonard Construction and EdiFel Designs which resulted in a 100% W/MBE architecture, engineering and construction team. The project was funded by the Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, and this is the first of five Future Firm projects completed in partnership with the grant.