Commercial Project | Kingston, Ontario
The Cigar Chief
Custom Commercial Millwork in Historic Downtown Kingston
Modern Retail Design Meets Historic Kingston
Located at 340 King Street East in downtown Kingston, The Cigar Chief occupies a historic storefront featuring exposed limestone, original brickwork and hardwood flooring.
The vision was to create a contemporary cigar and coffee retail space that respected the building's character, a store that felt as though it had belonged in downtown Kingston for decades.
Working in collaboration with Maddee Rose Design, Stone City Woodworks transformed the designer's vision into custom retail cabinetry, display shelving and fixtures that complement the building's historic architecture while providing space to showcase thousands of products.
A Historic Space with a New Purpose
Before installation began, the storefront was an open space defined by exposed limestone walls, brick archways and original hardwood floors.
These architectural features were central to the design. Rather than conceal them, the new cabinetry would frame and complement the historic surroundings, allowing the building's character to remain visible throughout the finished store.
Bringing the Design to Life
Stone City Woodworks manufactured the custom cabinetry and display fixtures that bring the retail space together.
Using CNC programming and precision cutting, we translated Maddee Rose Design's plans into the components needed for the store's shelving, cash desk, central display island and merchandise fixtures.
Our scope included:
Custom cigar display shelving
Retail cash desk and storage cabinetry
Central merchandise display island
Additional product display fixtures
Integrated LED lighting
Slotted shelving designed to encourage airflow around cigar products
Textured melamine and black-stained ash create a contemporary contrast against the building's original stone and brick. Integrated lighting helps illuminate the merchandise while drawing attention to the architectural textures behind the displays.
Every component was manufactured with the finished installation and demanding project schedule in mind.
THE INSTALLATION CHALLENGE
24 HOURS
One demanding installation window
Precision Under Pressure
With the store preparing to open for Canada Day 2024, the installation schedule left little room for delays. Stone City Woodworks had just
24 hours to complete the on-site installation.
The busy downtown Kingston location added logistical challenges, making accurate manufacturing, careful preparation and efficient installation essential.
The walk-in humidor also introduced specialized requirements. Materials and shelving had to be considered in relation to the elevated humidity, with slotted shelving incorporated to support airflow around the cigar displays.
Through detailed CNC preparation and coordinated installation, our team brought the custom millwork into the space within the demanding installation window.
A Distinctive Downtown Retail Experience
The completed space balances contemporary retail functionality with the character of historic Kingston.
Custom display cabinetry provides extensive room for merchandise, while black-stained ash, textured finishes and integrated LED lighting create a cohesive visual experience against the exposed limestone and brick.
The central display island and surrounding shelving make the products accessible and visually engaging without overwhelming the space.
The finished project exceeded expectations, with enthusiastic feedback from the client and design team.
The Cigar Chief is an example of what can be achieved when thoughtful interior design and precision woodworking come together.
Have a Commercial Project in Mind?
From retail stores and hospitality spaces to custom cabinetry and specialty fixtures, Stone City Woodworks partners with designers, contractors and business owners to bring commercial woodworking projects to life.
Whether you have a complete set of drawings or an idea you're ready to develop, we'd love to discuss how we can help.