Challenge:
In 2018, new owners wanted to create an updated and more open space for the neighborhood bar they purchased. The initial plan involved removing the low ceiling to expose rafters and add volume.

When construction began in 2019, opportunity and inspiration started their collision course. By removing the false ceiling and rerouting ductwork, contractors exposed an old skylight. Excited at the prospect of bringing more light into the tall, narrow space, the business partners decided to increase their renovation budget to install a 2nd skylight. It seemed like they were going to capitalize on their good fortune by making a modest additional investment.

Around that time, however, two of the three partners ventured to Mexico for a vacation. On that trip the pair was inspired by indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant spaces they encountered in Oaxaca and knew were also popular in Mexico City and other locations. Even though their new investment in San Francisco was in the middle of a city block, they saw an opportunity with that exposed ceiling to bring in dramatically more light and fresh air than two individual skylights would provide.

Returning to the Bay Area, the business partners met to consider expanding their construction budget to incorporate retractable glass roof systems into the plan. It was a big leap, but the team felt like the upside could be significant.

Rollamatic Solution:
Also based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rollamatic was a natural partner to realize the vision of an unexpected, fresh-air experience in the middle of a neighborhood bar. Together, they settled on two 15 ft x 12 ft retractable glass roofs that run along the center of the space – a significant portion of the roof footprint.

As a result, Peacekeeper has become a destination, offering an iconic experience, including benefits that rooftop bars can’t offer — protection from the wind or rain with the flick of a switch.

“Our retractable roofs have transformed our business from a simple bar to a unique experience – that’s what people get, explains co-owner Jamal Blake-Williams. “We open at 1:00 p.m. on the weekends, so they enjoy the sun through the afternoon. In the evenings, our guests get to look at the stars while remaining protected from the winds. Even if we have to close them (which takes about a minute) due to rain, our guests still get to look at the night sky.”