Meritage, downtown Saint Paul’s award winning French brasserie, acquired an adjacent space in the historic Hamm Building and added a 1000 square foot bar area. The expansion included a full bar complete with an oyster bar and counter-height seating for about 40. Features of the new space include a Parisian zinc bar top with a marine cut edge, a large back bar which was built to maintain the essence and character of the former cozy four-seat bar, and a traditional absinthe fountain as a centerpiece. The bar area was designed to be a natural extension of the restaurant with complementary finishes and materials, making it feel as though it has always been there. Shea’s designers used warm teak and butternut woods and mosaic tile for the flooring. With booths and high-top seating, the ambience is casual, yet sophisticated.