Residential Lakeside Tavern by Chicago Bar Builder John Wray Featured in Design Chicago

By: Design Chicago | Spring 2025

Philip Sassano of The Design Coach collaborated with master Chicago bar builder John Wray for this communal space for a client in Geneva Lake, Wisconsin. The client, who owns several prominent establishments in Chicago, wanted an old school, hyphenate Chicago-style pub with a clubby atmosphere. Geneva Lake has historically been a summer playground for Chicago business leaders, so it was a natural connection to create this pub where family and friends can gather. Sassano used a pressed-tin ceiling over the bar, and glowing globe pendants from Visual Comfort add turn-of-the-century appeal. Wall coverings by Phillip Jeffries.