HIGH BANK DISTILLERY - WESTERVILLE
Westerville, Ohio
High Bank Distillery envisioned transforming Westerville's historic post office into a vibrant culinary destination that honors the city's complex relationship with prohibition while creating an inviting gathering space that would strengthen community connections in the heart of Uptown Westerville.
CHALLENGE
SOLUTION
Throughout the space, original architectural features serve as anchors for the guest experience, with salvaged teller gates from the post office repurposed as metalwork behind the host desk, creating a meaningful connection to the building's past. The material palette balances preservation with contemporary warmth, introducing elements that complement the historic architecture while creating comfortable dining environments that meet modern expectations.
The design extends the hospitality experience beyond the building envelope through carefully integrated patio spaces that connect interior dining areas with the vibrant Uptown streetscape. The north patio required sensitive design solutions to protect an existing heritage tree, while the south patio was engineered to be structurally independent from the historic building – allowing for potential future reversal if ever needed. Throughout the design process, WSA worked closely with historic preservation authorities to ensure interventions respected the building's architectural integrity while creating inviting outdoor spaces that activate the street edge.
Environmental graphics and subtle design elements throughout the space tell the story of Westerville's fascinating prohibition history – from its role as Anti-Saloon League headquarters to its evolution into a community that now embraces craft distilling. These storytelling elements create a layered experience that enriches the dining experience while connecting guests to the building's unique history.
The transformed post office has quickly become a beloved community gathering place that strengthens Westerville's identity while bridging its temperance past with its vibrant present. Locals have embraced the space not just as a dining destination but as a preservation success story that demonstrates how historic buildings can be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary needs. The project has significantly contributed to the continued revitalization of Uptown Westerville, bringing increased foot traffic and economic activity to the district while preserving an architectural landmark that might otherwise have faced an uncertain future.
