Never Never
Jamie and Bryan Kenney purchased an old welding shop in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood and tasked MZA with converting it into a neighborhood bar and restaurant. The brothers fell in love with the existing character of the building, and we did, too.
We aimed to preserve existing components and finishes, carefully considering how new design elements are introduced, weaving in and out, to create a contrast that enhances the existing building and its unique features. There are front and back patios that wrap around the exterior introducing wood to add warmth and contrast against the existing metal and concrete walls of the building. Industrial spaces are transformed into warm and inviting gathering areas for patrons.
The unique shape and slope of the site provided some challenges in how to access the building entrance. MZA rose to the challenge by creating a front outdoor patio that is raised above the sidewalk for a dramatic entry experience, while also providing advantageous sightlines across the adjacent railroad track. There are two existing sets of large doors that were used to bring in large pieces of equipment when the building operated as a welding shop. These doors have been preserved and are now design features that open up the interior of the building connecting it to Houston Street and the back patio.
The bar/restaurant is named Never Never, a nod to a place that is without time, so that when its patrons step foot inside, their worries disappear.
- Client: Never Never
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Year: 2019
- Online: https://www.nevernevernashville.com/