A 5,000 SF ground-up event venue and restaurant that pays homage to local heritage through a $2M high-concept architectural intervention.
Project Overview
In a bold departure from traditional small-town development, The Syndicate represents one of the first new construction projects in downtown Bellefontaine in nearly two decades. Spanning 5,000 SF of indoor/outdoor space at 213 South Main St., this $2M investment was designed to fill a critical market gap: a large-scale, high-end event venue capable of hosting wedding receptions, corporate parties, and destination dining.
Architecture with a Narrative: From Newsstand to “Front Page”
The site was previously home to Jackson’s News Stand, a community fixture for 40 years. Rather than building a generic modern box, the design team utilized the building’s history as the primary architectural driver.
The brand and structure are inextricably linked through specific “storytelling” design elements:
- The “Newsstand” Bar: A custom-fabricated showstopper designed to resemble a classic New York-style newsstand, incorporating repurposed glass transom windows salvaged from historic downtown buildings.
- Scale and Light: The venue features soaring 28-foot ceilings and industrial-grade garage doors that create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow between the main hall and the street-side patio.
- The Entry Experience: A neon “FRONT PAGE” sign welcomes guests, while interior walls are clad in authentic Bellefontaine newspapers from decades past, grounding the new construction in its historical context.
The Strategic Pivot: Designing for Resilience
Opening in August 2020, the project faced an immediate challenge as the pandemic halted large-scale gatherings. However, the architectural flexibility proved to be a savior. The expansive floor plan and high-volume air circulation (via the garage doors) allowed the team to pivot from an event-only model to a high-end restaurant and weekend brunch destination.
The design team also conceptualized “The Back Yard”—a casual, high-density outdoor beer garden featuring artificial turf, fire features, and a performance stage. This extension allowed the business to capture additional revenue streams through live entertainment and casual dining when large indoor weddings were restricted.
Total Project Management: Beyond the Blueprint
For the development team at Brewfontaine, the architect’s role went beyond aesthetics. The firm acted as a strategic partner, bridging the gap between local makers (like Holden Brothers for the custom bar) and general contractors. By providing both design leadership and project management, the architects ensured that the complex technical requirements of a high-volume commercial kitchen and a 300-capacity venue were met within the 16-month timeline.
Recognition & Impact
“The bar is a showstopper… Revival really helped us keep our vendors on task and on schedule. There’s a lot of moving parts and they not only helped us with design but also helped us project manage as well.”
— Adam Rammel, Co-Owner of The Syndicate
- Awards: AIA Dayton Focus on Design Award Winner
- Project Type: New Construction, Food & Beverage, Event Venue
- Key Specs: 5,000 SF, 28-ft ceilings, full-service catering kitchen, “The Back Yard” beer garden.
