Situated on the corner of an active intersection in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, Annabelle’s is a classic example of adaptive re-use and historic preservation. The building, which previously housed an antiques store on the main level and office space on the upper floors, had been vacant for over a year when Annabelle’s owners envisioned potential in the space for an upscale urban restaurant.

Pub tables and tufted banquettes replaced antiques and curiosities, yet original details such as Corinthian capital columns long hidden beneath plaster walls, were exposed and highlighted. A private mezzanine dining area offers a bird’s eye view of the bar and the street level activities below. A second level dining area features exposed original brickwork, a service bar, and opaque glass sliding partitions to accommodate as many as three private functions.