The Space
The New Holland Knickerbocker, a 50,000 sq/ft facility, strategically placed at the gateway to Grand Rapids’ historic West Side, which serves as a restaurant, along with a brewery and distillery.
Owned and operated by New Holland Brewing Co., The Knickerbocker includes a retail area, formal dining, street side patio, bar area and a “trees” area with 3 stories of glass and garage doors seating over 200 patrons. There is also a back patio area with outdoor bar fire pits, bean bags, and an outdoor stage. Topping the space off is a high-end prohibition era cocktail lounge and mezzanine serving as dining or private event space.
The Challenge
The space overall was very acoustically challenging. In particular the “Trees” area, with 3 stories of glass and opening garage doors, provided a huge problem for even normal conversation to take place.
The Solution
To provide an outstanding customer experience, D16 Technologies was contracted to provide audio and video design/build services. To help mitigate the acoustics problem, over 1800 sq/ft of acoustical treatment was applied throughout the space. This augmented the acoustical spray that was added to ceiling areas in the space.
Based on experience and track record, (including work at the New Holland Pub in Holland, MI) D16 chose to implement L’Acoustics for the main sound system throughout the space (see Sidebar: Equipment Used). The system has the capability of 4+ individual events including outdoor stage, indoor stage, mezz private event, Zeppelin (indoor) private event space as well as general dining and bar entertainment.
The new L’Acoustics system is complemented by 22 video displays that are all HD video over IP Distributed TV, and controlled over an AVL network. The entire AVL system including: 2 conference rooms, outdoor stage lighting, indoor stage lighting, audio routing, display inputs, and the cloud cover music service, are controlled from iPads.
The Net Result
A beautiful urban feeling/open space that provides patrons an acoustically controlled environment to enjoy great food, beverages and entertainment!
(Sidebar: Equipment Used)
40 – L’Acoustics 5XT
4 – L’Acoustics 12 XTi
5 – L’Acoustics 8 XTi
2 – L’Acoustics SB15m
2 – L’Acoustics SB18i
6 – L’Acoustics LA4x
Numerous QSC distributed speakers in bathrooms,
22 displays using HD over IP distributed TV
TV Inputs
– 4 direct TV
– 2 digital signage
– 2 aux
(Additional Sidebar on New Holland Brewing Co.)
Today, New Holland Brewing Co. is recognized as one of the leading innovators in the revolution of craft brewing and distilling. With nearly 500 team members, New Holland’s craft beer and spirits are sold across the country, and around the globe. New Holland’s retail presence continues to grow with two full-service restaurants, a spirits tasting room, two brick-and-mortar stores and an online store.
