As you read this, I should be celebrating the grand opening of Nectar Tasting Room. We should be celebrating with the Downtown Partnership by joining in the December First Friday event. We should be featuring amazing art from artist Stacey Wells. Music should be filling the room, and hundreds of wine lovers would be flowing through the doors for peek at the modern wine bar / wine tasting room vibe. Spokane residents would be meeting five new wineries. Instead, we sit pretty much in the same position as the last update (which was published November 10).

November 10, Spokane heard my plea as work and progress were halted in the name of bureaucracy. After a great collaborative meeting with city planners, compromise was reached, and plans were submitted. Three weeks have gone by and very little work has been done as we sit and wait for plan approval. Today I stand in the tasting room and it looks as if nothing has changed since we last talked. An update from the city indicates that permits should be issued in the next few days. Since there is very little to do, things should progress quickly once we have the city’s blessing.

One thing that has changed over the last month of delays has been my checking account. Carrying the overhead for an additional month without any revenue has proven to be quite the financial burden. It’s one thing to budget the expected costs and even build in excess expenses, but carrying everything (along with the added expenses) for 30+ more days is adding about 10% to my total opening costs. Since I have nothing to really “show” you (although the video does show progress in the downstairs bathrooms, and the chaos that is main area), I thought I give my best visual description through text.

Overall:

As you approach, you see the great sign featuring the three businesses in the building. Nectar Tasting Room, as the primary tenant, is listed on the top with LaunchPadINW second and the COPS shop (which occupies the second floor) being on the bottom. Window vinyl, mirroring the purple branding, is in each window bay. Each window showcases one of the five wineries. As you enter on the corner of Main and Stevens, you step onto a black ceramic tile and then onto the beautiful ebony hard wood floors. Scanning the space you notice the warm tan, and cool blue walls covered in modern art and photography. A 16’ bar spans the length of the entire back brick wall.

Overhead the exposed silver duct work accents the tall 14’ ceilings. In the center of the room, three modern chandeliers center the space. Their medusa-like arms are a modern juxtaposition to the traditional brick walls. Under each chandelier is a circular tasting table with crackle glass top that reflect the light. Along the West wall of windows four stainless steel tables are highlighted with spot pendant lights. A bench seat spans ½ the East wall with an additional four tables for sitting and enjoying life with friends.

The Bar:

As you approach the bar you notice the lighted crackle glass top that expands 16 feet. Two tall shelving towers frame the brick on the back bar. A large TV is in the center showcasing pictures from the five wineries. Tall vertical racks display wine. The menu boast 30+ wines, all available as a 2 ounce splash, 5 ounce sip, or stay and enjoy the whole bottle. For $5 (refundable with purchase), you decide to enjoy today’s five wine tasting bar flight.

The Soft Seating:

Off in the Southeast corner is a cozy area with two couches, two chairs, a coffee table, and some cool overhead lighting. This area is occupied most of the evening.

On the North end of the space a guitarist is strumming out tunes from Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and more.

Well, there you have it. There is the vision of what has been ordered and how things will look in just a few weeks. Some of the things I wanted to do will have to wait until the first quarter of 2011 as revenue starts flowing. Keep your eyes here as we hope to announce our soft and grand opening over the next few days. Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you very soon sipping on a glass or three of wine.

Drink happy!

UPDATE

It’s official. On Friday we receivd word that our building plans were approved and that the permits have been issued. The city was able to review the full plan in less than 3 weeks (normally 4-6 week review time). Thanks to everyone who provided their support and insight.

With this news, I would anticipate that electrical, plumbing and new duct work will be completed this week and flooring and restrooms finished next week. This would leave the week before Christmas to touch up, decorate, install, final prep, etc etc etc. Looks like we’ll have a soft opening in 2010 after all!!