It’s a whole other world on a rooftop patio. Trellis Rooftop Bar, the new tropical-inspired rooftop patio that is part of the Studio West 117 complex, is unique.
“It’s Lakewood’s first and only public-access rooftop patio,” says Daniel Budish, co-developer along with Betsy Figgie of Studio West 117, a multi-use complex focusing on the LGBTQ+ community. “It will be a true all-season experience with indoor and outdoor space. There will be gas fire pits and a centerpiece bar. We wanted a space that would attract the entire city of Lakewood and be a regional and national draw. It was important to us that the LGBTQ+ community has the rooftop patio in the area. We want LGBTQ+ kids to be the cool kids.”
The lofty patio is not the only feature of Studio West 117 that is attracting attention. Muze is a ground-floor gastropub with a stage for drag performers. Eat Me Pizza provides wood-fired, oven-baked pizza to Muze and also has a street window for outside orders.
Last fall, a grand opening was held for the expansion of the complex’s Field House. That change includes 5,000 square feet of gymnasium floor that can be divided into three sports courts or used as one huge area. (Think volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and what Budish describes as “the newest popular sport” in the country: pickleball.)
The space is also available for court rentals, track walking, fitness classes, Zumba, yoga and spinning classes (until those move into the facility’s dance studio). Partnerships with Special Olympics Ohio and Stonewall Sports create accessible physical activity opportunities. Budish said the space can accommodate “events, pageants, balls, dance parties, performances and weddings.” Studio West 117’s courtyard recently added turf volleyball courts, new cornhole equipment and a bouldering wall.
“We’re really excited to share all this,” says Budish, whose complex also supports new and existing retail, entrepreneurial, entertainment, health care and housing opportunities.
