Back when George and Gretchen Smith were in college, the college
president often invited some of the students to his basement
rathskeller. George and Gretchen were two of those students who
frequented the president's unique pub.
"They were good memories," Gretchen fondly recalls.
The pub was something that George never forgot. Years later,
George decided it was time to build a rathskeller that would
remind him of the one in his college president's basement. But
in keeping with contemporary trends, George decided his rathskeller
needed an adjoining theatre.
The Smiths were familiar with PSG Construction from a remodeling
project they completed in a previous home. Their current residence,
recently built in Alaqua, contained an existing recreation area
on the second floor. The Smiths contacted PSG Construction once
again to help create George's dream in the space.
Fashioned after a Scottish pub, the rathskeller and adjoining
threatre are tucked away on the second floor of the home and
accessed by a private staircase. PSG Construction worked with
their cabinet company to create the pub that is 20 feet by 26
feet in size. To keep inconveniences to a minimum and avoid carrying
materials through the house, PSG constructed a temporary outside
staircase. The staircase led to one of the windows in the construction
space so that workers could access the space without coming through
the house.
The pub's cabinetry was custom built from maple wood and includes
a curved counter, curved glass cabinet doors, drink rail and
granite countertop. The space also includes details like wainscoting,
a tongue-and-groove ceiling, and exposed wood beams, all custom
milled from maple wood. The wood is stained a rich, deep mahogany
common to European pubs. Recessed lighting and a skylight provide
just the right amount of subdued lighting for the room.
True to many pubs, the Smith rathskeller is outfitted with a
pool table. The stained glass light hanging over the pool table
came from St. Andrew's Golf Club in Scotland.
The adjacent 14 foot by 25 foot sunken theatre can easily handle
a sizable group of moviegoers or accommodate spill over from
the pub. The walls are completely enveloped in raised maple paneling
with fluted detailing crafted from the same maple wood as the
pub. Multiple columns line the walls and help give the room the
appearance of a stately public theatre. Half a dozen concealed
speakers surround the room for optimum sound.
Gretchen says that she and her husband don't entertain a lot,
but the room was constructed for her husband's enjoyment and
to fulfill his dream. Recently, however, the couple held a football
party in the new space.
"We had 18 people in for the party," Gretchen says.
"It's just a wonderful party room!"
The rathskeller and theatre are unique rooms that fulfill a dream
for the Smiths. The "good memories" that George and
Gretchen had in college can be relived again every time they
visit their rathskeller and theatre room tucked away on the second
floor. PSG
SOURCES
Interior Trim &
Doors - Residential Building Supply
