Mercury Lounge

This downtown bar and music club is located on the ground floor of a five story building which was originally constructed to house servants of the Vanderbilt family estate.  For the past forty years the space functioned as a burial monument showroom which was operated by the building's current owner.  CCArchitects was retained by the new club owners to design a low key environment conducive to conversation and a variety of live entertainment ranging from acoustic folk, to jazz, to electric rock. 

This work was a collaboration with Brian Swier.

Mercury Lounge Exterior

Consistent with the client's desire for a subdued atmosphere and limited budget, the architects utilized salvaged elements from the showroom including carved granite slabs which now became bar surfaces, 12" x 12" timbers which had supported gravestones now became facade piers, and a steel crane which had been used to transport stones now serves as a curtained archway linking the front bar area with the music room.  An antique mahogany bar and back bar from a turn-of-the-century Brooklyn tavern was procured, refurbished and installed.  In addition, all light fixtures which utilize industrial metal lath in various geometrical forms were custom designed, fabricated and installed by the architects.  Great attention was paid to acoustics throughout the club.  The sand filled stage was encircled with acoustic baffles and all ceilings were insulated and suspended from vibration isolators to ensure optimal performance of the sound system.