Dec. 16, 2021

Remodeling has turned the former site of many bars into a bright gathering room for small events, and a Brazilian restaurant is planning to open in the adjoining space.

Convolo at Eighth Street and Weber Avenue is open for bookings and has dates available for holiday events.

It’s the first of two tenants taking over the majority of the historic Stockman’s Exchange Bank building. The former owners of Kaladi’s Bistro and their family members are creating Roots of Brasil, an authentic Brazilian restaurant, according to a news release issued by Convolo. The restaurant will be in the north section of the building.

“I think we have a good group of creatives making this building a destination spot again, and the businesses in both suites complement each other very well,” building owner Rick Gourley said.

The two businesses plan to collaborate with catering options and events, said Amy Boes and Angela Merritt, the sisters who own Convolo.

They have spent the past several weeks remodeling the space.

“We gave the space some love and hard work to achieve a bright and warm environment in an exceptionally cool building,” Merritt said.

Convolo’s walls are finished with a historic limewash technique, and the doors and trim have been painted white.

The flooring, which is wood from the former basketball court in the original Washington High School, has been refinished.

The bar is new, along with dome-shaped brass light fixtures. The small elevated stage remains.

“We wanted Convolo to be a beautiful backdrop to any small gathering and bring a modern venue downtown that isn’t affiliated with a hotel, bar or restaurant, so customers are free to host their events how they would like,” said Boes, who managed a similar space in Minneapolis before moving back to Sioux Falls. “Having an inspirational interior was key when designing our new space.”

Patrons of the previous bars may recall the painting of dogs on the north wall.

It remains behind curtains. “We’re keeping it because it’s such a historic part of the building,” Boes said in an interview earlier this month. “But because it doesn’t necessarily go with the aesthetic, we’re going to have floor-to-ceiling curtains … and then if they ever want to display themselves, we can.”

The space can hold up to 95 people and seat 60. A room on the second floor can be used as a bridal suite or a breakout space for business gatherings.

Giving back to the community will be part of Convolo’s business model. The location is across the street from the Union Gospel Mission, and the sisters plan to donate a portion of their rental proceeds to the organization, which provides meals, shelter and services to the homeless.

Nonprofit charity events that are held at Convolo also will receive discounted rates.

Convolo interior photos by Alyssa Krehbiel @alyssaj_photography

Small-scale event space to open in historic Stockman’s building