Sunsphere’s 5th Floor Will Re-open as a Bar

Sunsphere’s 5th Floor Will Re-open as a Bar

Tony Cappiello, an attorney and real estate developer living in Oak Ridge, thinks he can do something none have been able to do before him---make a success of the 5th Floor at the Sunsphere by opening an upscale bar and lounge. Cappiello has leased the space and has been busy making plans to refurbish the floor plan to take advantage of what the says is the “draw” of the Sunsphere, namely the view.

Cappiello says the first thing he will do is make a defined foyer by adding a half wall in front of the elevators that will have signs directing visitors to either side of the Sunsphere. The floor will actually have two separate spaces so that, if needed, one can be in use for a private party while the other continues to be open to the public. Each space will hold about 60 people. Cappiello is working with the Fire Marshall to seek permission to remove some of the original kitchen equipment that is no longer in use in order to free up space.

Cappiello says he plans for two bars on the fifth floor. One will have a water theme and a the other will have a sun theme. "If you go to the right, which is the West view where the sun sets, we will have what we call a sun bar. We will have a fireplace type feature," Cappiello said. He plans for a variety of drinks--alcoholic and non-alcoholic to be on the menu along with appetizers and desserts. Menu options are limited since there is currently no grilling or frying allowed in the kitchen of the Sunsphere due to fire hazards.
Names for the two spaces have not been chosen at this date.

Chad Copenhaver, part of the management team that oversees the Sunsphere's fifth and sixth floors, said that the Sunsphere can be used for just about any kind of event you can imagine. He said that the sunrises and sunsets from high above the World’s Fair Park are something that can take your breath away.

The sixth floor of the Sunsphere is currently available to be rented for meetings, parties and all sorts of occasions. It has room for about 200 people, can provide surround-sound speakers, and flat screen television sets. Party planner, Sara Spangler, is available to help with the reservations and planning for any type of event desired. You can easily find her on Facebook.

Chad Copenhaver thinks the Sunsphere is a value to the community because it is a one of a kind structure that has an interesting history. He says he is excited about the possibilities for the Sunsphere. The team hopes to have the 5th floor ready to open by football season this year.

According to the web site Peace Through Understanding-The World’s Fair Community, the Sunsphere may be the second most photographed building in Tennessee next to Graceland.