"Baileys Harbor's Common House uncommonly distinctive" from the August 24, 1978 Door County Advocate
By ESTELLE ZAHN
Baileys Harbor's Common House uncommonly distinctive
By ESTELLE ZAHN
"It's like walking into one of Andy's paintings," is the way one observer describes the new Common House tavern on Baileys Harbor's main street, which was designed in detail by Andy Redmann, Fish Creek artist.
Indeed, there is a feeling of almost enchantment if not unreality in the atmosphere, not commonly found in the usual tavern. The soft light reflecting through the skylights in the daytime puts one in the mood to spend more time than planned. The owners, Mark Martinsek and Judy Merritt, invite you to relax in the "Library Room" where there are thousands of books to be read. Unobtrusively tucked in the back is the game room where pool players can match skills.
The Common House is the former Port Pub (and long before that Andrew Brann's hardware store) which was totally stripped by the new owners of its plywood paneling, makeshift bar and new false ceiling. The original pressed tin ceiling still in excellent condition needed just a coat of paint. The walls received a new plaster coat, the hardwood floors were sanded and new bay windows installed.
The interior design was created by Andy Redmann. It incorporated the dreams of Mark and Judy who bad some ideas but needed help in putting them together. Andy's flair for space utilization and his theory of "flow" from one room to another suggests the composition in a painting.
Local artists and craftsmen had a hand in the project. John Martinsek, Mark's brother, came from Hurley to do the major construction for local carpenters were hard to find. The finishing carpentry was done by Tom Birmingham Jr., who takes pride in fine wood craftsmanship. Michael Davis, Green Bay woodworker, completed the skylights, the newly designed bar and glass rack. The wrought iron plant hangers were beautifully crafted by Walter Zahn of Baileys Harbor from Redmann's designs. The stained glass window on the south wall depicts the Ridges Range light and the back-bar glass scene an intimation of the local landscape. These were created by John Gale, stained glass craftsman at the Settlement art colony in Fish Creek. This has resulted in other commissions for John, including new windows at the Ivanhoe in Jacksonport. The stovewood walls were completed by Steve Jorns, a young fellow but an old hand with mortar. Redmann feels the county is gifted with talent for distinctive design work.
The architectural pieces were procured by Redmann in Milwaukee. They were originally parts of old mansions recently dismantled. The antique light fixtures as well come from this source. Plants also hang from old butcher's meat racks. There are more interesting features than can be described in this space.
A new kitchen has just been completed where fine food is served. There is also a new deck in the rear, fenced in for privacy which encloses a huge evergreen tree. Here guests can enjoy the view of the Baileys Harbor bluff with the sun and breezes from Lake Michigan.
The response from customers is enthusiastic and some people are taking notes. Many local Baileys Harbor residents have expressed approval with the new look on their main street.
Former Governor Patrick Lucey, now Ambassador to Mexico, visited the Common House last week and called Mark from his kitchen work to congratulate him on a lovely place. "I can't believe the response," says Mark.
The Common House is open from noon to 2 a.m. Food is served until 10 p.m. Stop in and be "enchanted."
Courtesy of the Door County Library Newspaper Archive