THE NATIONAL BAR
1856 HOTEL BAR
A reimagining and expansion of a 150-year-old Victorian hotel bar. Salvaged materials, custom millwork, and jewel-toned furnishings create a space that feels rooted in history while operating comfortably in the present. Beyond material restoration, the design sought to surface overlooked narratives. The walls are lined with portraits of women from the Gold Rush era—figures often omitted from historical record—presented as a quiet counterpoint to dominant local histories. The result is a space that honors craftsmanship, memory, and complexity: at once timeless, intimate, and alive with contemporary energy.
Photos by Kat Alves
" Jewel tones bring a sense of opulence to this Victorian landmark"
"Custom front bar clad in salvaged steam radiators from the original property.”
