Sweet Loretta Bar, designed by Victor Choy in collaboration with FRANK Architecture, is a retro-inspired, late-night venue located in Calgary’s vibrant design and arts district. This inclusive lounge and disco draws inspiration from the city’s rich history of iconic music venues and the lively spirit of past nightlife experiences. It serves as a creative haven for like-minded individuals passionate about design, art, architecture and music. Sweet Loretta offers a dynamic atmosphere featuring rotating resident DJs, live music, and emerging artists, paired with exceptional food and drink.
Inspired by the golden age of nightlife, Sweet Loretta pays tribute to retro tiki bars, vintage sound studios, and the pulsating energy of 70s discos. The design concept was influenced by local legendary venues like Mercury, Republik, Embassy, and Deluxe Lounge, aiming to revive the nostalgic essence of these iconic spaces. This vision was brought to life through the meticulous interior fit-out of an existing building, previously home to a furniture store and design studio. The renovation involved numerous collaborations with local artists and trades to achieve a highly detailed and custom design.
Key design elements that embody the retro inspiration include the unique geometric millwork ceiling, custom lighting, and vintage furnishings. The ceiling, inspired by midcentury Aarchitect John Lautner, was expertly constructed, adding a striking visual element to the space. Bespoke lighting along with modified vintage fixtures, reinforce the vintage sound studio and tiki vibe, creating an inviting ambiance.
The main level of Sweet Loretta features a suspended mid-century style fireplace that serves as a central focal point, complemented by artworks by Ken Samuelson. The feature bar boasts custom tiles by local artisan Becky McMaster of Workshop Studios, while the retro interpretation of parquet flooring adds an intricate and unique touch. In the lower lounge, custom artworks inspired by a 1960s portrait, adorn the walls beside the tiki bar, where carefully curated artifacts and ephemera tell stories of the designer’s travels to Hawaii.
