project team
modus construction

Originally constructed in 1958, this mid-century commercial structure once housed a classic American diner and adjacent pharmacy. The building has been thoughtfully reimagined as Lorena, a contemporary Southern restaurant that honors the personal legacy of its namesake — the owner’s grandmother.

Preservation of the building’s original character was a guiding principle throughout the design process. The distinctive angled storefront glazing was retained, anchoring the building in its historical context while inviting street-level engagement. A modest extension of the existing roofline introduces a covered patio space, enhancing the building’s relationship to the street and extending the dining experience outdoors. 

The 3,573-square-foot interior, most recently operating as a full-service restaurant, was reconfigured to establish a more intuitive spatial plan. The revised layout introduces a sunlit dining room complemented by a moodier bar area and an intimate private dining room. A cohesive material and color palette, centered on a warm, saturated green, unifies all public areas.

Custom artwork in the dining room incorporates a curated selection of handwritten recipe cards from Lorena herself, embedding her memory and legacy into the very fabric of the space.

photo
© mel willis