Main and Six Brewing Company

This quaint mid-century block building once housed a dental office, and was later a retail stationery store. Dennis and Cindy scooped up this little gem with the vision of bringing light to what was once just blight. Dennis, already a multiple award winning brewer, was ready to scale up his hobby. We focused on the Brewery first, to make sure there were plenty of tasty brews ready for the grand opening of the taproom. Extensive plumbing, mechanical and electrical modifications were required to accommodate it’s very specific industrial use. Finally the Brewery was finished and Dennis could get to work!

The design concept for the taproom was a modern take on nostalgia. This was reflected in the already perfected brand designed by Pat Carter of 63 Visual. We drew inspiration from this as well as charming details unique to the neighborhood. The iconic hex pattern found throughout Springfield is sprinkled through the interior in a variety of scales and shades. Warm classic copper and wood, punctuated with black steel elements give a masculine, yet comfortable vibe.

With a variety of seating options, you can have a totally different experience, whether sitting at the bar, at a booth, table, or even the back patio. We custom designed pieces and signage, working with local Springfield artisans to fabricate them. Local artist Josh Gaston supplied – from his own personal stash – plates of raw steel reclaimed from a 1920’s CocaCola factory. These slabs were cut to create the half-hex bar top and steel inlays in the concrete floor. A faux finish was then applied to the interior walk-in-cooler to replicate the look of the steel. Adorned with a custom sign by Forge, of the Main and Six seal, the backdrop was complete for the 16-tap serving station.

Longing for an alternative to the hard metal chairs that have become so fashionable, we decided to create an area with fixed soft seating. Not only does this provide a comfortable place to stay a while, but it also absorbs some of the atmospheric sound, allowing you to have a conversation. The custom wood ceiling is made from reclaimed oak, a perfect alcove for an intimate group. Custom wall panels by Sargent Upholstery gave a soft backrest, some sound absorption and a fun splash of pattern along an otherwise stark wall.

The tap list was a collaborative design with Forge; our goal was something flexible but appearing intentional. (Chalkboard paint was out of the question!) The result was a system of rails with prefabricated beer names that could slide in and out as available. Since Forge is a local company, Dennis can create until his heart is content, and have new signs fabricated with a quick turn around.

Specific attention was paid to the lighting scheme, which is closely coordinated with the furniture layout. Each patron has a distinctive splash of light on their table top. From the street, a dimly lit space, looks lively and full of dramatic interest. The traditional style exterior lights give life to the hand-painted sign by Grant Thornton. Reclaimed fence panels were used at the entry alcove to break up the monotonous texture of the painted CMU. The result is an intriguing facade that is difficult to pass by.

The grand opening took place during one of Springfield’s largest events, PorchFest. The place was packed and has been frequently attended by many ever since. Dennis has gone on to win two awards for his Handsworth Brown Ale at both a state and national level. We love seeing our Small Business clients succeed!

For more photos of this project, visit our portfolio.

The original Akra Bros Department Store, circa 1959.

Restoring a historic building is no small undertaking; on top of aesthetic appeal and modern amenities, restoration specialists must consider state and local preservation laws. We helped Crispens and his architectural team with the extensive design and planning required to bring this space into the 21st Century.

We knew there was great potential in these display windows.

Fortunately for us (and Crispy’s), preservation grants – including the first facade grant from Operation New Hope – and tax credits helped ease the financial burden, allowing the BMor Creative team to focus on restoring the splendor of the structure itself. Despite this windfall, grassroots funding was still a must; multiple fundraisers were held to create awareness and share our progress with the neighborhood, and residents came out in droves to support the soon-to-be local pizzeria bar and grill. It would still take months of elbow grease and persistence to bring this space into the 21st century, and transform it into Crispen’s dream restaurant and art gallery.

Setting up for a community FUNdraiser.

We wanted your first impression of Crispy’s to be both sophisticated and welcoming. One of our goals was to highlight the beautiful display windows and covered alcove by restoring the original tin and copper banding. We then incorporated copper accents into the sign and exterior lighting to create this striking, reflective entryway.

Inviting by day and somehow even more stunning at night!

Inside, we were fortunate to have nearly 6,000 square feet of space to play… err, work with. We were lucky to find several diamonds underneath the rough layers of the previous years, including terrazzo marble floors, a central grand staircase, and two second-story skylights.

We restored this neglected stairway into a central thruway to the upper dining level.

Since opening its doors just over a year ago, Crispy’s Springfield Gallery has been at the center of Jacksonville’s Urban Core revitalization effort. Crispy’s and the BMor Creative team opened the gateway, and more small businesses like breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops are popping up in the historic district, each offering unique, local flavor.

The alcove windows make a great live band stage, leaving the dining room space free for patrons.

The spacious, bi-level dining area is family-friendly and visually pleasing.

In 2018, Crispens was awarded the Jacksonville Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Ignitor Award, which recognizes individuals who serve as catalysts for urban neighborhood development.

In February, John Crispens was awarded the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Ignitor Award. This recognizes someone who has served as a catalyst for urban neighborhood development.

We were thrilled when the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission recognized our combined effort to revitalize Springfield’s commercial district and honored us with a 2018 Jacksonville Preservation Award, for “outstanding local achievement in the field of historic preservation.” Watching new life breathed into old buildings inspires us, and we love living in a city that recognizes the importance of preservation.