J. Riley Distillery

Property One

Empty modern restaurant dining area with wooden beams, metal chairs, and large windows.

Commercial

J. Riley Distillery

Project Overview

The J. Riley Distillery, a beloved Redlands artisan craft spirits producer, recently underwent a transformative project led by SGH Architects.

The project involved the renovation of a former automotive-use building to house the distillery and the addition of a new restaurant, creating a cohesive destination that celebrates both craft spirits and community dining.

Location
Redlands, California

Services Provided
Full Architectural Services

Principal in charge
Michael J. Stephens, AIA, NCARB

Size
6,000 sf

Distillery storage and processing area with wooden barrels stacked on racks on the left and stainless steel equipment, bottles, and liquids on counters on the right.

Crafting a Unique Identity

SGH Architects’ design focused on establishing a distinctive and fitting identity for this locally owned and operated business.

Through thoughtful material choices, spatial organization, and contextual design elements, the project reflects the character and charm of Redlands while giving the distillery and restaurant a memorable presence in the neighborhood.

Outdoor patio area with tables and chairs, shaded by sail-like fabric, adjacent to a building with a rust-colored wall and greenery.

Leveraging Outdoor Spaces

The design strategically takes advantage of Redlands’ mild climate, creating flexible and inviting outdoor areas that support a variety of uses—from casual dining to social gatherings and events.

These outdoor spaces enhance the customer experience, encourage community engagement, and expand the functionality of both the distillery and restaurant.

Empty modern restaurant with wooden ceiling beams, hanging light bulbs, black metal chairs, and tables, view through open entrance with glass and metal framing.

Empty modern restaurant or cafe with large windows, wooden ceiling beams, and black metal chairs around wooden tables during daytime.

Outdoor patio area with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, adjacent to a building with a sign that says 'ENTRANCE,' at dusk with clear blue sky.

Empty modern restaurant with black tables, metal chairs, large windows, wooden ceiling beams, and hanging light fixtures.

A distillery or brewing facility with stacked wooden barrels on the left and stainless steel equipment on the right, including a work counter with measuring cups and bottles, white plastic buckets on the upper shelf, and water jugs underneath.

Empty bar with high chairs, liquor bottles, chalkboards with drink specials, and hanging pendant lights in a modern restaurant with brick and wood accents.

An outdoor patio area with black tables and chairs, surrounded by trees and greenery, with sunlight casting shadows on the ground.

Interior of a modern bar with a U-shaped counter, shelves of liquor bottles, hanging pendant lights, and a rustic brick wall with a California Republic flag and a sign that says 'Be Good or Be Gone'.

Industrial brewing or distillation equipment inside a factory with metal tanks, pipes, and a large American flag hanging on the white brick wall.

Interior of a modern, industrial-style restaurant or cafe with high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, metal chairs, and large windows. There are tables and bar seating visible, along with hanging pendant lights and a bar area in the background.

Aerial view of a modern restaurant building illuminated at dusk, surrounded by lush trees and a parking lot in the background.

Integrated and Functional Design

The distillery is housed within the renovated 2,800-square-foot auto repair building, while the new 4,500-square-foot restaurant occupies a prominent corner at Eureka Street and Oriental Avenue.

Together, these buildings create a dynamic, fully integrated destination that strengthens the Redlands community fabric, provides a welcoming environment for visitors, and supports the growth of this local artisan business.

keep browsing