Genisa Wine Bar & Event Space

This historic renovation of the Genisa Wine Bar & Event Space in the heart of Janesville’s downtown included the complete makeover of a three-story, 160-year-old building into a modern Italian restaurant and outdoor patio. The project in the revitalized riverfront district includes a meeting facility and luxury two-bedroom loft apartment. Since each floor of the building is a separate operating entity, the project consisted of four stipulated sum contracts (three floors plus the exterior patio/deck). Friede & Associates’ work included project supervision, demolition, selective concrete, carpentry (both rough and finished), the installation of doors, cabinetry and specialty items. The plan was to remove all interior walls in the bar and to expose the original brick and stone walls of the interior and to connect the outdoor patio and deck through a series of retractable glass walls for an Italian street feel. Plans were continuously modified based on unforeseen structural issues uncovered through demolition.