Joe Bolognas Restaurant, Pizzeria and Food ~ Lexington, Ky.
During remodeling to change the Jewish temple into a functioning restaurant, a deliberate effort was made to preserve the style and atmosphere of the original building. The stained-glass windows are the originals, but are now protected by shatter-proof glass on the outside. Inside, the loft chandeliers are refurbished from the synagogue. The wood floors are the same Eastern Kentucky pine installed in 1891, and have simply been sanded and refinished. Of course, some changes were necessary. The bar now stands in the original pulpit area, but even there some of the old building is preserved. The beaded board poplar wood that partially covers the wall and ceiling area is of the same type as the original outer doors. Completely new is the loft, added to increase dining capacity.
In keeping with the decor, the wood is poplar and the glass is etched in a diamond pattern to match the design of the stained glass windows. Booths and tables were custom made with wood and fabrics chosen to compliment the colors of the windows.