What is the new Sky Lounge in Delano, and why has this law firm opened it?

When Phillip Slape and Jonathan Voegeli were looking for a new headquarters for their Slape & Howard law firm, they found more than that when they toured the former Aero Plains Brewing space at 117 N. Handley in Delano.

“We didn’t want to take the bar out,” said Lisa Slape, who is married to Phillip Slape. “It’s kind of like the centerpiece.”

They discussed what the space could be.

“I was like, we have a garage door right here,” Lisa Slape said.

The idea for an event center was born. Now, the new Sky Lounge is officially open for business.

“For everyday use, we use it as our lobby,” Slape said.

A reception desk is on casters so it can be rolled away during events, which will be only on the weekends or in the evenings when the business isn’t open.

Offices are farther back in the building.

“That whole entire front area” can be used for events, which Slape said includes two garage doors that open to the outside.

The firm has some small conference rooms in the front that Sky Lounge customers can use for storage during their events.

There’s still a bit of an aviation theme like the former brewery had.

The firm purchased an airplane mural that was already in the space, and it redid the top of the bar to make it look like clouds.

People who rent the space have to bring in their own drinks and food.

Rental pricing depends on the type of event and how long it is, and the tables and chairs already in the space are included in the rental.

“We didn’t decide to do it as a moneymaker,” Slape said. “I just want it (to be) a place where people can just come and rent space and enjoy it like we do.”

This story was originally published October 25, 2022 at 4:47 AM.