Publican Anker

Catagory: Hospitality

Client: Chef Paul Kahan, One Off Hospitality
Project: Publican Anker
Location: Chicago, IL

An homage to the early 20th century saloons and breweries that once populated Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood Publican Anker aims to capture the spirit of those timeless establishments and translate it to guests in a way that feels simultaneously storied, modern and integrated with the Chef Paul Kahan’s food and drink culture. Located in an ‘L’ shaped space, wedged into a corner building at the intersection of three busy streets, large floor to ceiling storefront windows, inspired by those found in historical photos of the area, blur the interface between interior and exterior, embracing the energy of the street.  A floating wood & fabric coffered ceiling layered against the refurbished original tin ceiling creates a spatial and material collage while providing acoustic absorption and concealment of MEP systems. The bar acts as a connection between rooms and is itself a collage of zinc and wood. Large communal wooden tables and intimate 2-top booths in the dining room create a welcoming, lively invitation to guests who can view the action in the open kitchen behind a glazed tile wall.  Wire mirror glazing in the interior window frames contrasts with painted wooden wainscot and textured wallpaper giving a homey feel while custom designed globe lighting suspended above gives a modern updated touch. Historic elements were reinterpreted in a warm and welcoming yet contemporary way with a strong spatial identity engaging the surrounding neighborhood.