Our Story
Giving back to community; respect for the past; beautification; restoration. These are the passions of famed jewelry designer, Renee Lewis.
Lewis grew up in rural Ohio; Columbiana County specifically. A county steeped in history, though sadly, history that is not always advocated or appreciated. Luckily, Lewis appreciates the past and the beauty of what once was.
Known for working with antique gems and the creator of “Shake” jewelry sold through Barneys New York, and now Saks Fifth Avenue, Lewis loves her New York life, but also comes home often to the Ohio landscape of her youth.
Ohio means family. Ohio is her roots. And being surrounded by all the glitter of her work and her New York lifestyle, Lewis realized her Ohio home had a different kind of sparkle. It just needed a bit of polish.
Actually, a great deal of polish. There was a gem of a building; the Hamilton Building in Lisbon, Ohio, (a small town where Lewis spent several years of her childhood) that was in need of rescuing. The oldest brick building in Ohio, the structure was built by Jacob Picking in 1803 as a hotel and inn. It was once the law office of Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War to Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. It is believed Lewis and Clark stayed at the Hamilton before beginning their exploration of the American West.
Lewis initially planned to restore just the exterior of the building to preserve this link to the past. Then another idea developed. Eleven years later, The Courthouse Inn & Restaurant is a stunningly beautiful reality. Located next door to the Columbiana County Courthouse, Lewis’ venture is simply breath-taking.
A silky copper bar framed by the exposed building’s original brickwork winds its way across the restaurant’s cocktail area; the Side Bar whose focal point is Renee’s mother’s grand piano . The restaurant itself; ReneLee’s, serves plant-based vegetarian and vegan fare like no other.
Those dining indoors are surrounded by mirrors, fine art, and walls created with faceted glass tiles juxtaposed next to reclaimed wood from the structures restoration. The outdoor courtyard beautifully done with local stone showcases an open fireplace viewed best from the tables and benches made of polished jade (rescued from the Yangtze River) gracing this space which easily seats 60.
This restoration was exquisitely done as only can be where cost was not a concern. Instead, gorgeousness was the goal. Lewis likes to say she took a “building that was virtually worthless in some people’s eyes” and “turned it into a bit of magic.”
Indeed. The Courthouse Inn & Restaurant opened to the public in January 2016, and is a must-see destination.
History
Take the short drive to historic Lisbon, Ohio, and get intimate with The Courthouse Inn and Restaurant. The oldest brick building in Ohio, its deed is signed by both Thomas Jefferson and his under-secretary, James Madison. Jacob Picking began construction in 1801 with an initial investment of $100. The two-story hotel was complete in 1803. Presidents Lincoln, Cleveland, and McKinley have crossed its threshold, as have Lewis and Clark, and Lincoln’s war secretary, Edwin Stanton.
Once Hamilton’s Drug Store, the building sat vacant for years and was slated for demolition in early 2000. Enter Columbiana County native, Renee Lewis. Renee spent 11 years restoring this structure’s facade to its historically accurate former self with the interior reflecting her love of all things glittery, glamorous, and gorgeous. Renee and her husband, Michael, opened their personal oasis, The Courthouse Inn and Restaurant, to the public in January 2016.
Reneelee’s
The Courthouse Inn’s signature restaurant, Reneelee’s, offers the finest vegetarian dining this side of anywhere. Open seven days a week, daily specials round out the seasonal-changing lunch, and dinner menus; as well as Sunday brunch fare. All dishes are made fresh daily using ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. Chef is on the premise early each morning starting the sauces and soups building the day’s offerings from scratch.
Sidebar
Aptly named, The Courthouse Inn & Restaurant’s libation landing spot, the Sidebar, offers top shelf liquor as well as craft and domestic beer. Daily specials are the norm and only fresh-squeezed juices are used. The handmade copper bar winding through this space is a marvel. Grab a seat and enjoy some Sidebar satisfactio
The Courthouse Inn & Restaurant
Renee Lewis Jewelry
