By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Dave Gustafson has taken the city’s idea of sidewalk seating to a new level at the Anthology Whiskey Room in downtown Warsaw.
Anthology has evolved over several years in several locations on East Center Street, and the newest space, which encompasses more than one previous business, opened at 109 E. Center St., about a year ago.
During the past few months, Gustafson has focused on extensive renovations to the facade, in which a covered outdoor seating area was carved out of the front of the original interior floor plan. Completion of the indoor-outdoor seating area that he calls a veranda wrapped up a month or so ago.
On Monday, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Warsaw celebrated the facade renovations with a photo opportunity.
The sheltered seating area is just east of the business’s main entrance and has a very metropolitan feel that passersby have noticed.
“Their initial reaction is, ‘Oh, this reminds me of being in Milan or this reminds me of Miami’ or fill in the blank of what city or space this reminds them of, and it’s a compliment to us. It gives a positive reaction to people thinking this is a great place to sit and enjoy a drink with a friend,” Gustafson said.
The verdana provides an outdoor flavor even during imperfect weather.
“You get some protection from the sun, but also it gives you the full exposure to the fresh air and sunlight,” he said.
The interior has about 3,000 square feet of space, but relies on large, comfortable leather seating that adds to the ambiance of comfort and relaxation.
Dark woodwork and light jazz music mix well with the mature whiskey atmosphere.
The bar offers 1,500 whiskey labels and will soon launch a substantial wine list.
“Business has been great, but I think events are the next phase … there’s been a big input from our guests that they would love to see that,” he said.
Gustafson, like more than a dozen other downtown shop owners, also has a desire to use the nearby sidewalk.
The city began permitting and encouraging sidewalk seating about four years ago.
“We do intend to utilize some sidewalk seating as well, but this covered area is fantastic,” he said.
Anthology received a $10,000 facade grant and is one of numerous downtown businesses that have made exterior improvements after the city increased the annual allotment to the program two years ago to the program to $50,000.
The 2025 allotment has already been exhausted, Sweeny said.
Terry Sweeny, director of downtown development for Main Street Warsaw, is one of many impressed with Anthology’s improvements.
“Aesthetically, it’s very attractive and I think it will attract more people to come downtown and enjoy that business,” Sweeney said.
In addition to Anthology, recent facade improvements that have already happened or are scheduled to happen include Rock Steady Pizza, Moving Pictures Tattoo Cinema, Glam Boutique, Lakeland Art Association and Generous Coffee.
Those total improvements are valued at about $470,000, Sweeney said.
“It’s a really successful program. It helps leverage public-private investment to improve buildings, preserve those buildings, and support those businesses,” Sweeney said.
Below are more photos of Anthology’s veranda provided by Gustafson.
