Cottle Village

There’s no place quite like it.

Where the brand meets the land.

When we first stepped onto the triangular plot of land that is now Cottle Village, it struck us that developing a new attraction is a lot like building a brand. You start with what is essentially a blank slate—and from it, you create something amazing. These two processes happened in tandem with Cottle Village, the latest project from Stephen Savage.

We’ve worked with Stephen on a number of projects (most recently the Midwestern), so we knew first-hand he can take a concept and run with it. Since opening, Cottle Village has quickly become a unique destination for St. Louis—in the heart of Cottleville, about a half hour west of the city, housing a restaurant, whiskey distillery and tasting room, plus an outdoor stage for live music.

Exploring the foundations under the trees.

As we stood under the trees on the property, it was hard to remember we were a stone’s throw from neighborhoods and highways. As we wandered among the majestic trees and existing structures while Stephen and his wife, Emily, described their vision, it was easy to see how things would come together. The former nursery property had an appeal that was hard to ignore. Even in its raw state, the warm, welcoming, close-by-but-a-world-away vibe came through loud and clear.

We knew the brand needed to be nostalgic, yet contemporary—to reflect an accessible, neighborhood gathering spot, but also a destination for special events. Stephen and Emily’s vision included preserving some of the existing structures, including a dramatic two-story stone fireplace that is now the centerpiece of the cozy restaurant. They’ve kept as many of the tall trees as possible, along with the wide-open space that is now the lawn and concert venue.

Capturing the spirit of the land.

Right from the start, we knew we wanted to capture what it feels like to stand on the property—a unique place, for one-of-a-kind experiences. It’s a feeling we expressed in the brand narrative for Cottle Village Farmstead + Distillery.

Grab your friends, and join us here, under these mature trees. Enjoy chef-driven American cuisine. Gather beneath the stars and in front of the stage. And sip whiskey straight from the barrel. All as we honor this land’s history as both a crossroads and a gathering place. Take it all in. Make it your own. There’s no place quite like it. This is Cottle Village Farmstead + Distillery.

As we dug deeper, we knew there needed to be a rallying cry—a simpler way to tell people this is the kind of place where visitors can create their own adventures. We also gave a lot of thought to how to name each element of Cottle Village, imagining how people would plan their visit and the words they’d use. It needed to be unique, yet feel like a natural part of conversation.

The Tavern. The Still. The Field.

The Tavern—Start your night or close out your celebration around the table, surrounded by good friends, great drinks and exceptional, locally flavored American cuisine.

The Still—Get an insider’s look at the region’s best master-distilled whiskeys and spirits. Trace the journey from ground to glass, and take a sip straight from the barrel.

The Field—Grab a drink and a bite to eat and join us under the stars, around the fire and in front of the stage.

Inspired by the Earth.

As they broke ground, our work creating a restaurant and destination brand identity picked up. Inspired by the natural setting, we were drawn to earth tones and natural elements to set the tone—creating a brand that would enhance every step of the visitor experience, from an initial impression on the website, to arriving at Cottle Village and spending the evening there.

Inspiration for the logo started simply, with a sketch straight out of Stephen’s brain—a not-so-subtle nod to the existing structures at Cottle Village. From there, we imagined how to lead guests through the property. A monument sign with echoes of a ranch out West. Small wooden coins that encourage a visit to the whiskey tasting room. Signs reminding guests of upcoming music. Wayfinding that directs people to the next step of their adventure. Custom badges and postmarks play into the traditional, nostalgic feel of whiskey and bourbon brands, while still bringing the new, modern vibe that resonates with Cottle Village visitors.

Bringing it all together.

The buzz started as Stephen, Emily and their team guided the earliest stages of the project. It grew louder as buildings rose from the ground. As it took shape, the Cottle Village team took the elements we created and made them their own, finding new ways to apply this still-new brand. We’re thrilled to see the initial success of Cottle Village. Congratulations to the entire team—and be sure to join them, under the stars, for your next big event.