Behind the plywood: new storefront
Contigo's new storefront was delivered last week and installed this week. It's even prettier than I imagined it would be! It's amazing to see the wide open view through the restaurant to the back patio become a reality. I've lost count of how many months it's been since I first saw my architect's vision rendered in a tiny model.
The storefront is made out of solid douglas fir. The windows and doors to the back patio and the garden light well by the host stand match the storefront, as do the window frames in the bathroom and wine room. We're going to add one more coat of stain and finish to all the wood in the coming weeks, so it will appear slightly darker than what you see in the photos below.
To give you an idea of scale, the front door is about nine and a half feet tall. The entire width of the storefront, including the doors, is about 16 feet. The only windows on the storefront that open are the small windows across the top. The windows along the back, however, will all be able to swing open. That will come in handy on those rare 70- and 80- and 90-degree days like this week.
5 pm update: added four new photos of the other windows.
so gorgeous, Brett. I can't wait to eat there!
Posted by: Anita | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Holy cats -- it's almost too nice for our neighborhood. ;-) Very excited for the impending opening!!
Posted by: Sean | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Stunning, classy, inviting.
Uh. Party of six! Anita, Sean, Cookiecrumb and spouses. :D
Posted by: cookiecrumb | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Oooh! I love doug fir! So beautiful!
p.s. Cookie, make that eight. ;-)
Posted by: Melissa | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 04:47 PM
That is a swass store front!
You give great hope to others who are daunted at the idea of transforming a dull storefront.
Who would have thought!? From computer store to beautiful restaurant!
Keep it going!
Posted by: art | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Lovely! How exciting...
Be sure and have your architects tell you what maintenance is required to the stain/finish. Doug Fir is a soft wood - and all wood finishes oxidize and or fade in the sun. So regular maintenance is required to keep them looking top-notch. You should plan it into your annual budget.
Posted by: Diane | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Will stain and oil for food. Have references. ;)
Posted by: Judith | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Will stain and oil for food. Have references. ;)
Posted by: Judith | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 08:42 PM
looks great!
Posted by: Doug C | Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 04:56 AM
I like to cook very at home. Cool fun. Like me. Thanks. Greetings from Poland.
Posted by: przepisy kulinarne | Saturday, August 09, 2008 at 10:51 AM