by Bailey White
Staff Writer
The owner of the Art Bar in Riverside is opening a new bar on the Southbank. Christy Frazier, partner Chris Brown and designer Dustin Greer are putting the finishing touches on the Velvet Room, a lounge-style night spot that will host its grand opening on New Year’s Eve.
The bar, at 1224 Kings Ave., will have what Frazier describes as a “Moulin Rouge boudoir” decor, with deep red walls and an antique precenium that’s been refurbished on a back wall.
“That came from a shoe store that was downtown,” she said.
Her artistic touches will be everywhere. The tables feature hand-done mosaics, as do the bathroom floors and many light fixtures. Even the toilets have been embellished with beads, glitter and paint. There will be an authentic English phone booth, featuring stained glass in all shades of red.
Greer is in charge of the back room, which will feature an elliptically shaped, multi-level, illuminated dance floor, another bar, and a raised DJ booth.
“I just got back from New York City, where the bars and discos were very clean,” said Greer. “The walls will be very stark — a major contrast between the front room.”
Frazier is planning for the atmosphere to be a little more grown-up than the three-and-a-half-year-old Art Bar’s neighborhood vibe.
“It will be a little more upscale,” said Frazier. “We’ll serve liquor, which we don’t do at the Art Bar.”
Both Frazier and Greer want to maintain a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
“People will come here to relax. I expect a lot of the San Marco hospitality crowd will wind up here after hours,” said Greer.
The Velvet Room will be smoke free, except for a 2,500 square-foot patio.
“Eventually we’ll put a tiki bar out there,” said Frazier. “That will come when the weather is a little warmer.”
Both expect the San Marco location will serve the bar well, as Riverside does the Art Bar.
“San Marco is almost an untapped resource,” said Frazier. “I really like the area, and I really like the people.”