The Ludivine project consisted of a new full-service restaurant within an existing 3,300 square foot shell structure and an additional 1,085 square feet of outdoor space. The existing mid-century modern building was most recently occupied as office space, requiring zoning and building code change-of-use to an A-2 Assembly occupancy. Major construction and budget constraints and the desire to maintain the design integrity of the existing building, directed design and material choices.

On the exterior patio, an oversized expanded metal screen wall was powder-coated to emulate the gold anodized aluminum screen walls reminiscent of the MCM period. On the interior, off-the-shelf tile and parquet flooring mirrored similar finishes from the era. Hard ceilings were limited to the open chef’s kitchen and the bar area, providing a concealed space for ductwork, while allowing the dining areas to feel more expansive. The desire for the bar to have its own identity dictated the provision of a separate entrance and dark material palette. A unique wall pattern was created from standard ogee trim profiles including casing, baseboard, chair rail, crown, and cove moldings, stained a dark hue.