Firm President Jody Driggs Earns AIA Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture for Fife Street Brewing

2024 Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture (Architect: Jody S. Driggs, AIA) – The Fife Street Brewing Project consists of the renovation of existing ground floor retail space fronting Summers Street and Brawley Walkway, dramatically transforming the former Fife Street Shoe Shop and adjacent café into a modern, compelling, and inclusive place – meaningfully contributing to the revitalized walkway and adjacent urban plaza in the city’s center.

The design character celebrates both the history and future of the space. Brick masonry and terrazzo flooring is revealed in an honest and less manicured way, while the new construction is kept crisp and minimal.

Addressing acoustic performance of the otherwise hard surfaces of the taproom, a dense, varied rhythm of linear baffles suspended below the fire-rated gypsum board lid provide scale and interest to the dramatic, linear space.  Careful attention is paid to the layout of the baffles and centering of pendant lights and speakers within.

The storefront systems throughout the project are replaced, correcting misaligned and random sill heights and replacing frosted transom glazing units and large single panes with clear, high-performance insulated units.  Sliding storefront is installed at the larger masonry openings along Brawley Walkway, delivering a unique open-air taproom experience to the city’s urban core.

The new bar and custom fabricated low and high-top tables are designed in Sapele wood with exposed steel bases. A new outdoor Biergarten space wraps the perimeter of the project along Summers Street and Brawley Walkway, further animating the urban context and maximizing the revenue capacity for the owner.

“Welcome to Fife Street Brewing, a celebration of craft and community!  We love this town and we made this space for you – and for authentic, inclusive experiences over great beer, food, and conversation.  By being here, you’re helping us give back to West Virginians who are working hard to make a difference.  So grab a beer, make friends, and enjoy.  Cheers!”

Congratulations to our firm President, Jody S. Driggs, AIA, his brewery partners Derek and Lisa Godwin and Josh Dodd, and head brewer Gil Peterson for their excellent, community-focused work.  All of Charleston thanks you for what you are doing in our downtown!

Congrats as well to the amazing construction and design partners on their transformational project: Nancy Bruns of Carlisle Development Company (Building Owner/Developer), Pray Construction (Construction Manager), Harper Engineering (MEP Engineering), Moment Engineers (Structural Engineering), and Black Locust Woodshop Ltd. Co. (Sapele bar top and custom tables/bases).