The talented Kyla Coburn has done a very impressive job with the design in Avery's The Avery, J.R.'s new spot in what used to be the Decatur Lounge.
It's darker and loungy (the ambience is similar to other joints by Mike Sears, who, I'm told, is involved in the project), in contrast to the glorified melting pot/happily scruffy neighborhood bar of the Decatur. The bar itself has been relocated to the other side of the room, and Kyla's original artwork, particularly two babes set against the Providence skyline, is amazing.
I'll admit: as someone who spent a lot of time at the Decatur and was a charter member of its kickball team, I had some mixed feelings about meeting a friend in the new venue for a drink this evening (the presence of this Decatur Lounge Withdrawal Support Group shows the extent to which some people are unhappy about what happened to the Decatur). Yet proprietor J.R. was very gracious when we briefly chatted, and I wish him well with the venture. Look for more details later this week.