Train car to serve as bar and lounge

  • 2021-04-07
Trey Balfour is proposing to build a bar inside The Airline Belle, a double-decker Santa Fe lounge car from the 1950s in downtown Norcross.

Trey and his wife, Laura, are looking to make the lounger car not just a bar but a destination. Laura has experience in design and Trey is a veteran, and they want to create a place for conversation and community. They want to ensure that the bar is a unique experience that celebrates when commercial train transportation was in its golden age.

They plan to have a skyview lounge and a covered patio on the platform of the train, with the bar, kitchen, and lounge area inside the train. Such unique ventures and experiences can be highlighted throughout a community with poster printing.

Trey noted that there will be some challenges in this project. The first floor of the car has a ceiling height of 6 feet, 6 inches while the height on the second floor is 7 feet, 2 inches. Another is the temporary removal of electrical lines during construction. Some issues can be resolved with design while others will need further consideration.

The couple feel that this project promotes the vision of Norcross 2040 as it will contribute to enhancing the unique local restaurants and shops, define the sense of place in the city, and help to attract young families.