The O’Donnell Building, a historic commercial structure long home to a vacuum sales and service shop, was transformed into Arcademie Bar, a vibrant urban arcade with sophisticated cocktails and tasty late night munchies. Faced with the building’s impending demolition, a determined client envisioned a space that could celebrate nostalgia, community, and entertainment, appealing to a wide spectrum—from serious gaming enthusiasts to patrons of the nearby philharmonic orchestra.
The transformation balances historic preservation with modern functionality. The building’s well-worn interior was selectively removed to reveal and preserve original materials and architectural features, maintaining a sense of authenticity while allowing for contemporary interventions. The new program introduces a commercial kitchen, rooftop deck, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a second means of egress, ensuring the building meets current codes and provides a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests.
Arcademie Bar’s design celebrates both form and function. Its floors, walls, and nooks house classic, oddball, and legendary arcade and pinball games, alongside a bar offering custom cocktails and craft beers, creating an environment where playfulness, community, and urban culture converge.
Our team played a key role in navigating regulatory challenges, assisting in securing a Change-of-Use approval from the state building department and designing the necessary architectural modifications to support the new use. These thoughtful interventions preserved the building’s character while enabling a lively, adaptive reuse that breathes new life into Evansville’s urban core.