Problem:

Grow + Gather is a concept born from the heart of a tech-veteran looking for a meaningful transition. He had purchased an old, neighborhood auto shop with big dreams of making an urban oasis, growing food and feeding community, both literally and figuratively.

As participants in the early concept development conversations, we heard the dozens of ideas being thrown around— hydroponics, coffee shop, farmer’s market, cafe, wedding venue, greenhouse, community center, wandering gardens… We needed to help dial in a feasible program to ensure operational and financial success and make it all work.

There was a strong desire from the beginning to honor the building’s history in as many ways as possible, but much of the building needed to be rebuilt to accommodate the many needs of Grow + Gather.

Solution:

After many round table discussions, a list of complementary programs were decided. An indoor market with a coffee counter, a full cafe and bar, a flex space adjacent to both for events, an indoor vertical garden, and a rooftop greenhouse.

The classic garage doors and old painted “Bill’s Auto” signs were decided as important design elements and were duplicated in the new building.

Left-behind shop fixtures were used to make light fixtures, host stands, and foot rails. Booths were modeled after retro car bench seats and tables were made from reclaimed car hoods.

Custom adjustable and mobile fixtures were designed for the Market and Event Space with maximum flexibility in mind.

My role:

• Concept Development*

• Site Development Studies**

• Participated in Brand Development*

• Environmental Brand Strategy*

• Space Planning**

• Design Development*

• Sketchup Model & Renderings

• Custom millwork

• FF&E

• Construction Documents

• Construction Administration*

• Review of submittals & shop drawings**

*Indicates collaboration w/ Principle Designer
**Indicates collaboration w/ Architect

Design by Xan Creative
Branding by Lamora Design
Architecture by 1ine Studio
Build by Spectrum General Contractors
Photography by Xan Creative