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2089 Atwood Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin


Our task was simple; design an efficient restaurant within the shell of an existing gas station. While measuring the building I had the fortune of meeting one of the original owners of the gas station. As we talked, he reminisced about the early days of his business beginning after World War II.

The main image that stayed with me was the young man returning home to family, friends and sweethearts. I could imagine the activity and enthusiasm of a neighborhood, perhaps at its most vibrant time, enjoying a homecoming.

This optimistic period (1946 - 1950) formed the center of our design philosophy, not a slick trendy look, but a clean, bright, "modern", late 40's style. A place where Glenn Miller tunes would seem as appropriate as Buddy Holly's.

Taking efforts to avoid a "theme restaurant" filled with memorabilia, we attempted to use materials such as stainless steel and neon in an honest, appropriate way, striving to pay respect to a rich period of our history. The 40's and 50's blended to provide context for the 90's.


Project: Renovation of an existing gas station
Square Footage: 2800
Architect: Linville Architects, LLC
Contractor: Krupp Construction
Photographers: Dale Hall