BLRB's work on the Domaine Serene Wine Lounge and the historic Spheir Building in Bend has been honored as a 2022 DeMuro Award winner for Excellence in Historic Preservation from Restore Oregon.
As a DeMuro award winner, the Domaine Serene Wine Lounge is recognized as a restored and reused historic place that will spur economic growth, cultural revitalization, and sustainable development and helps reduce Oregon’s carbon footprint.
Originally built in 1917 as one of the largest commercial buildings in Bend, the Spheir Building was viewed as “upscale and urban” at the time. It has now been restored to its original beauty to house the Domaine Serene Wine Lounge Bend.
“Looking back at its upscale roots, the project highlights the building's historic elements, employs outstanding craftsmanship, and pays careful attention to reusing materials–saving a 100 year-old building for the next generation,” the award panel shared.
BLRB was recognized alongside its project partners, including Waterleaf, Schommer & Sons, Ashley & Vance, Chromatic, Axis Electric and more.
Heidi Slaybaugh, who led the BLRB team on the project, expressed gratitude for the entire team and shared that “the DeMuro Awards are highly respected in the Oregon preservation community. This is a fantastic honor!”
Located on the prominent SE corner of Bond & Minnesota Ave in downtown Bend, the historic D.H. Spheir Building, which was recently accepted to the coveted National Register of Historic Places, was transformed into an elegant wine lounge for the world-class wines from Domaine Serene, Chateau de la Cree and Maison Evenstad.
A unique structure full of historic character, including exposed brick and stone, rough sawn floor and roof joists, and near floor to ceiling windows and transoms, the goal was to restore these original elements and enhance them through the design of the wine lounge.
Domaine Serene Wine Lounge was also recently recognized with a 2022 Top Project Award from the DJC Oregon under the Hospitality & Other Special Purposes category.
The DeMuro Awards will be recognized as part of Restore Oregon's 2022 Restoration Celebration on November 4 at the Show Bar in Portland.