Behind The Design:
The Fresian Gastro Pub
Two ladders and a workbench with rolled blueprints against a rough unfinished wall in a construction site.
Lively, fun, and bursting with contagious excitement over the opening of the gastro pub

Located on the Medical Mile, The Friesian is an upscale addition to a street known for its dive bars. At the opening event on April 17th, Mayor Bliss and Grand Rapids commissioners praised The Friesian partners for "finding beauty in an old building" and being a part of the growth on the Michigan Street corridor.

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Wooden table with four metal chairs in front of a textured wall with three small hanging plants.
Lively, fun, and bursting with contagious excitement over the opening of the gastro pub, the owners of The Friesian had a strong vision for the space previously known as the Lord's Chapel.

“They came to me with images and ideas for the space. They already had a name and a theme for the restaurant. Each partner had something specific they wanted to include, like the original character of the building and the color orange,” says Melissa Marklevitz, interior designer of The Frieisan.

Details around the restaurant pay homage to the Friesian horse and the owners’ Dutch Heritage; straps attached to the back of booths resemble the fastening of a saddle, and a gallery wall of framed photographs show images of The Netherlands.

In the center of The Friesian is a three-sided bar, meticulously designed by the team in collaboration with Studio Wise. The wood and metal laser cut design is finished with a walnut bar top. The bar and surrounding booths are equipped with outlets to allow patrons to “plug-in.”
Modern bar with high chairs, patterned wood countertop, pendant lights, and exposed wooden ceiling beams.
Even with a solid design direction, the team was working with eroding concrete walls and a dirt floor.

“We wanted to keep some of the existing elements, it was a challenge working with an old building,’ says Melissa. Partnering with Construction Simplified, The Friesian was able to include some of the building’s original wall texture, windows, and beautiful wood ceiling.
Two ladders and a workbench with rolled blueprints against a rough unfinished wall in a construction site.
3D rendering of a modern black brick building with large windows showing interior seating and entrance with plants.
Modern restaurant interior with glass tables, brown bench seating, black chairs, and a large horse mural.
Modern empty bar with long wooden tables, high chairs, decorative lights, and a horse mural on the wall.

Details around the restaurant pay homage to the Friesian horse and the owners’ Dutch Heritage; straps attached to the back of booths resemble the fastening of a saddle, and a gallery wall of framed photographs show images of The Netherlands.

In the center of The Friesian is a three-sided bar, meticulously designed by the team in collaboration with Studio Wise. The wood and metal laser cut design is finished with a walnut bar top. The bar and surrounding booths are equipped with outlets to allow patrons to “plug-in.”

Artwork from local artist Matt Maher is currently featured with the intention of rotating art from other local artists in the future.

The Friesian is rich in modern details and industrial elements. Blue, orange, and gold create a vibrancy parallel of The Friesian’s energy. Throughout the restaurant unique LED light fixtures highlight the old and the new details of the space. In the warmer months, an outdoor patio and roof deck will open offering more dining space, and a spot to enjoy a good drink and the outdoors.
Modern restaurant interior with glass tables, brown bench seating, black chairs, and a large horse mural.
The Fresian Gastro Pub