Back when Angela Panzica and Bill Read began dating, they’d often watch classic films together. Turns out they were both old souls.

One of these films was 1951's "A Streetcar Named Desire," based on the famed Tennessee Williams play of the same name. Panzica particularly enjoyed the scene where actor Marlon Brando’s character, the salesman Stanley Kowalski, comes home shouting the name of his wife, Stella, played by Kim Hunter, a role that won Hunter a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award.

Pretty much ever since Panzica and Read first met, four years ago at a local St. Petersburg, Fla. martini spot called Back Bar, they've talked about opening their own place. Two years ago, Read, chief financial officer with a consulting business, received a job opportunity in Huntsville. "We saw the potential for growth in the city and decided to put roots in the area," says Panzica, a graphic designer with a marking/branding background. After moving from Florida, they saw the need for "an enchanting, more upscale lounge" here, she says.

Then in November 2019, they saw a second floor space at 127 Holmes Ave. N.W. was for a rent. The space included two outdoor patios. "It sparked our creativity. Panzica says, "and we spent the rest of the afternoon walking through downtown developing business concepts for a bar."

Soon, Panzica and Read will realize their dream of opening their own bar, with Stella’s Elixir Lounge, named for that “Streetcar Named Desire” character, located there in the same Holmes Avenue building as standout Mexican eatery La Esquina Cocina. "When we were conceptualizing names for the lounge, Panzica says, “we wanted something that was sexy and had a feel of sophistication.” There was an added hook. “We felt Stella, meaning ‘star’ in Latin,” she says, “was the perfect name for a bar in the Rocket City.”

Angela Panzica, owner/general manager of Stella's Elixir Lounge, a new venture planned for downtown Huntsville. (Courtesy image)

Previously, the couple thought they’d do a martini bar similar to where they’d met. But after walking the Holmes Avenue space, they felt compelled to go for more of a vintage Hollywood vibe, mixed with contemporary flair. Stella’s will have capacity for roughly 80 guests on its front and back patios combined, and another 60 or so inside, where the décor will be mid-century modern, “with natural materials, moody spaces broken up with light and bright vibrant areas with lots of texture and color,” Panzica says.

The front rooftop patio will be outfitted with cozy couches and fire pits. There will also be five semi-private cabanas out there. On the back patio, there will be café-style table seating with TVs and a bar with three roll-up windows opening into the lounge. "The future plan for this space is to build an awning," Panzica says, "so it becomes an all-seasons area" with views.

Guests will access Stella's from a street-level entrance and then by going up stairs to the lounge's second floor entrance. There will be exterior signage below their rooftop. Once the back patio awning's in the place, there are plans to install another sign there, visible from Clinton Avenue. Panzica is working with Chapman Sisson Architects on the Stellas' project, including lead architect Alison Corey and designer Laura Schwarze.

Read says the health department has approved Stella's plans and they expect their building permit to be approved soon. They plan to start construction immediately and for Stella's to open mid-summer. Earlier, the most challenging thing about getting the venture going was navigating a swamp of regulations, particularly since alcohol sales are involved.

But the plot thickened about 10 days ago, as coronavirus concerns heightened dramatically, as did public and private responses, particularly involving bars and restaurants. "So far, we have been fortunate in that COVID-19 has had little negative impact on our progress," Read says, referring to the disease coronavirus causes. "Hopefully, our contractors will be able to continue moving forward while protecting against the spread of the virus. With any luck, Stella’s will be opening right in time for everyone to shake off the cabin fever blahs."

He adds, "Our hearts are with our fellow neighbors in the service industry that have been especially hit hard by the impacts of social distancing. I think our industry is resilient and we’ll come out of the other side stronger, but it is going to be painful getting there. A lot of our friends who are bartenders and servers live on tips. They are really hurting right now."

Libation wise, Stella's will focus on classic cocktails, such as martinis, bee's knees, Manhattan, old fashioned, whiskey sour and Tom Collins. Some of Read and Panzica's personal go-to's include a dirty gin martini, Moscow mule, single-malt scotch, high-end tequila and bourbon. The Stella's space is too small for a kitchen, but they'll allow for delivery from nearby restaurants, including La Cocina, Moe’s Original BBQ and Purveyor.

Stella's hopes to employ a staff of around 10. They plan open 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, in order to serve everyone from unwinding downtown office workers to service industry stopping by after late shifts. There will be some volume-correct live-music - think solo acoustic acts, etc.

What is it about rooftop bars that makes them a special hang? Panzica says it’s humans’ (and particularly Alabamians') “innate connection to the outdoors. When you can integrate an outdoor space with memorable times, special friends and a great drink, it elevates the whole experience.” No pun intended.

More info online at stellashsv.com, phone 256-384-4313, social media facebook.com/stellashsv and instagram.com/stellashsv.

MORE ON LOCAL CULTURE

Huntsville breweries and coronavirus

Coronavirus impacts Alabama musicians, concert pros

A standout new Alabama album

Self-serve beer now pouring in downtown Huntsville

Downtown Huntsville’s most colorful joint yet, now open