Inside the Archive Lounge: A Speakeasy Hidden Beneath History
Beneath the historic walls of the 1904 Carnegie library, a new experience is quietly taking shape—one that feels as though it’s been there all along. The Archive Lounge is more than just a bar; it’s an intimate, dim-lit speakeasy designed to transport guests into a different era. Tucked below the main level, it offers a hidden retreat where history, atmosphere, and conversation come together in a way that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
The vision behind the Archive Lounge was never to create something flashy—it was to create something felt. John and Shannon approached the space with intention, focusing on warmth, texture, and authenticity. Every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the building’s past while elevating it into a refined, modern experience.
The design draws heavily from vintage influence. A marbled checkerboard floor grounds the space with classic character, while rich leather lounge seating and restored library chairs invite guests to settle in and stay awhile. The lighting is soft and intentional—never harsh—casting a warm glow across the room that naturally slows everything down. It’s the kind of place where time stretches, conversations deepen, and the outside world fades away.
At the heart of the lounge sits a truly one-of-a-kind bar. The front paneling is crafted from restored vintage radiators, finished in a subtle gold tone that adds both texture and history to the space. It’s not just a design choice—it’s a statement. A way of preserving original elements while reimagining them into something entirely new. Paired with elegant finishes and thoughtful materials, the bar becomes both a focal point and a piece of art.
The Archive Lounge is designed to be an experience as much as it is a space. Soft vintage music will fill the background—not overpowering, but present enough to shape the mood. Guests will be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a carefully crafted cocktail in an environment that feels both elevated and effortlessly comfortable. Every element, from the materials to the music, works together to create a sense of calm, nostalgia, and quiet luxury.
For hotel guests, it becomes more than an amenity—it becomes a destination within the destination. A place to unwind after a long day, to gather with friends, or to simply sit and take in the atmosphere. And for the community, it offers something rare: a space that feels deeply rooted in history, yet entirely new at the same time.
“We wanted it to feel like it’s always been here—you just happened to discover it.”
The Archive Lounge Located beneath the historic Carnegie Library (1904) Designed as a speakeasy-style bar for guests and visitors
As the transformation of the library continues, the Archive Lounge stands as one of its most unique and defining features. Hidden just below the surface, it captures the spirit of the past while offering something entirely new—an experience built on atmosphere, detail, and intention. Soon, it won’t just be imagined—it will be discovered.