Housed within Paul Revere's original 1801 Rolling Copper Mill, a gorgeous brick shell with monumental timber framing, Northern Spy was designed to inhabit both the present and the past. BLOOM preserved the shell, added an elevator and building systems, and transformed the interior space for modern dining while highlighting the essential architectural elements of the original building.
Developing the concept with the ownership team from Loyal Nine restaurant in Cambridge, BLOOM created a design that centers around an open wood-fired hearth, and includes a soaring bar area, multiple intimately scaled dining areas, and a spacious patio dotted with industrial artifacts. The interplay of modern and historic elements can be experienced throughout the building, as comfortable banquettes bump up against brick arches, steel beams and wood timbers; or a translucent glass wall slips between structural columns. The interior finishes likewise mix new and old, with tin ceilings and wainscoting coexisting with modern light fixtures, precisely machined screen walls and exposed mechanical systems.
Upstairs is a shared exhibit space and dining area, dubbed the "Copper Mill Hall." We used the timber trusses to create seating alcoves that exhibit historic artifacts and vignettes This upper level houses larger events and communal dining, and serves as a public exhibit hall for Town events and school trips.