Best Bar Design
Winner: The National, Autograph Collection at the First National Center, Oklahoma City
Operator: APICII, New York City
Architects: ADG|Blatt Architects, Oklahoma City
Designers: Flick Mars Hospitality, Dallas
Contractor: NE Construction, LLP, Lewisville, Texas
Developer: NE Development, LLC, Lewisville, Texas
An overhaul of a historic building — the First National Center is on the National Register of Historic Places — included turning an 18,000-square-foot space with a 45-foot ceiling into a restaurant, bar and private event space that can hold up to 500 people. The Great Hall offers an all-day bar in a large public space. The Library of Distilled Spirits houses more than 1,500 unique bottles and has a selection of more than 200 classic cocktails. Glamorous art deco touches are abundant, and the judges took note: “It’s a stunning space with a beautiful, iconic look; I thought the central location of the bar was a good anchor to the space; and they managed to recreate or maintain a sense of opulence throughout.”
Images courtesy of Tanveer Images courtesy of Tanveer Badal
