THE SPOTTED JAMES
Boulder, Colorado

Formerly the home of The Walrus Saloon for 35+ years in the heart of Boulder, this location has always been a prime spot for the University of Colorado and neighbors of the college town for evening provisions and bar hopping. This project provided a fresh take on the space when it was acquired by new ownership, bringing the space back to life with a new identity and experience.

Our team was entrusted to update and improve the experience of the space and to find a lighting solution that distracts customers from the low and enclosed ceilings. The project also had to allow for durability and longevity as the bar is by the University, assuming a college bar scene. AE Design provided the delineation of space for gathering, bar, pool tables, DJ, and dance floor for patrons with different lighting elements and control functionality which allowed for flexible adjustments, and versatile configurations for the user experience. Utilizing RED coloring heavily requested by the Owner, we created an iconic speakeasy feel with a bit of Victorian flare completely transforming the atmosphere.

The overall layouts and concepts were heavily coordinated with the Owner and architect at the beginning of the project to accommodate the budget and maintain the aesthetic, functional, and durability goals. Our team utilized downlight cell-style fixtures to reduce direct visibility of the light source, to limit drawing attention to the low ceiling, but to also provide adequate illumination at the floor level. While utilizing color-changing elements at the bar front, the Owner was to be able to customize the experience for future customers! RED elements and detailing highlight both the architectural and furniture details, while also maintaining a lower light level. Decorative light elements such as pool table fixtures and sconces, provide functional lighting at areas, but with warmer color temperatures. The lighting solutions highlight the existing piping and brick textures along the walls to celebrate the character of the physical structure in the bar, creating vertical illumination and drawing a viewer’s attention away from low ceilings. Many fixtures, specifically for the hallway and restrooms, were selected for durability to allow for longevity in a college bar scene.

Client: Studiotrope Design Collective
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Grounds Studios
Lighting Design, Electrical Engineering Design