Check out Reggie's award-winning new look

Reggie’s Bar, a longstanding fixture on the Sir George Williams Campus, turned many a head last fall when it opened its doors after a two-year hiatus to reveal an overhauled interior — and students weren’t the only ones to take notice.

The sleek new space also caught the eye of jurors at the Retail Design Institute’s 45th annual International Store Design Competition. They named the student-run lounge best in class during an award ceremony in Dallas last March.

Robert Henri, the general manager of the Concordia Student Union (CSU), says he was pleasantly surprised when he heard the news.

“We didn't expect it, we knew our bar looked good but didn’t know it would be recognized in that way. I presume we won because of our set-up; it's clean, it's modern, and it's lit,” says Henri, noting he actually received complaints from patrons about the space looking too nice upon first glance.

Currently, Reggie’s boasts a myriad of cosmetic and functional upgrades, including a brand new bar, a fully operational kitchen, a stage area, additional windows, new fixtures, and furniture and bathrooms with a modern aesthetic.

The extensive renovations were realized through a partnership between the CSU and Concordia University, a collaboration Henri says proved to be a success.  

“Concordia has so much experience in managing renovation projects and we were able to get their assistance in the form of a project manager, who we worked with to make our vision a reality,” says Henri. 
 

Stéphane Prem, project manager at Facilities Management, oversaw the project and says the award was just icing on the cake.

“I think we succeeded in creating a great space for students to meet and relax after class,” says Prem. “The design award is confirmation that when people are involved and take things to heart, we can reach our goals.”

While it’s no secret Reggie’s has gone through its share of turbulent times, having shut down in 2013 due to issues regarding mismanagement and financially instability. Henri says the closure gave the CSU a chance to turn things around.

“When we were forced to close a couple of years back we decided it was important to start anew,” he says. “That’s when we decided to use our funds to improve the space and return it to the students. We wanted the give them quality in terms of aesthetics as well as a comfortable and safe environment in which to come together and fraternize without breaking the bank.”

The renovated Reggie’s officially opened last October to a warm reception, boasting a fresh face, new management and a highly trained staff. But Adrian Longinotti, finance coordinator for the CSU, really looks forward to what the future has in store for the student lounge.

“This year Reggie’s will already be open when the fall term begins, and we’re ready to be active,” says Longinotti. “We want to get the word out to students that there will be a ton of activities and events happening during Orientation. It’s going to be a big year.”

Moreover, with the addition of a proper entertainment area and stage equipment, Longinotti says he has high hopes that Reggie’s will evolve into a venue for talent, adding that students should expect a lot of events throughout the term, from live bands and DJs to comedy and trivia nights.

Henri is equally optimistic about the bar’s outlook. “We have so many organizations, clubs and associations that want to rent the space; we've got so much demand it's unbelievable. It’s a great success and we're very pleased with how it turned out.”

Reggie’s Bar is closed for the summer, but it will re-open again this August. Find out more about your student lounge.