Project Data:

Completion Date:     1/1/2021

Square Footage:      5000

Building Use:           Restaurant

Project Description:

Originally an auto repair shop and gas station, this nearly 100-year-old building has been transformed from a beloved neighborhood liquor store into a 5,000 SF, full-service restaurant with a menu featuring contemporary Southern comfort food and an expansive whisky collection. Working closely with the City of Orange, The Orange Community Historical Society, the building owners and restaurant tenant, the architect crafted a design that pays homage to the past while representing the bold future of Bosscat Kitchen. Design inspiration is drawn from the prohibition-era building, blended with speakeasy culture, and given a modern twist to create a space that is authentic to both Old Towne Orange and Bosscat Kitchen, whose nearby Newport Beach location has become a staple of the community.
To replicate the design of the original building, the design team relied on structural additions and renovation, restoration of historic components, utility upgrades and added functionality for future restaurant use. A key feature is an iconic covered drive-thru carved out of the building’s corner that dates back to the building’s roots as an auto repair shop, where cars previously pulled up for oil changes and service. The new design converts this corner space into what seems its destined use: an inviting dining patio and welcoming restaurant storefront.
To create a covered dining patio and restore the building façade, a new structural column was added along with two additional window bays, both of which were designed to match the existing antique materials. The original windows and glazing underwent restoration and custom windows were created to match the originals. The brick façade has undergone extensive cleaning and repair, and the new column and additions feature matching brick to seamlessly blend the old with the new.
Workers uncovered various artifacts from the building’s former life during demolition of the interior space, including antique tools, bottles and fixtures. These objects were a source of inspiration for the interior design and are used throughout the space. Adding to the nostalgia of the building, the existing ‘50s-era neon signage has been restored to its former glory — the neon words still ringing true for Bosscat Kitchen & Libations — “Liquor” in all caps and “Plaza Beverage.” Guests enter through a recessed doorway that opens to reveal a beautiful, spacious open truss volume and skylights — a dramatic feature previously hidden behind the convenient store interior façade. The restaurant boasts a private whiskey room, whiskey reserve, library and main bar, all accented by brass fixtures, brick, antique mirrors, dark wood and a splash of rich green for a pop of color. The private whiskey room features a single large dining table and chandelier, surrounded by custom shelves and brass bird cages displaying the restaurant’s impressive whiskey collection. Flanking the whiskey room is the Library, an intimate tasting space featuring floor-to-ceiling whiskey lockers and a dark wood library ladder for functionality and character.

Firm Name:              AO

Completion Date:     1/1/2021

Square Footage:      5000

Building Use:           Restaurant

Location:                 Orange, CA

Project Description:
The goal of this project was to integrate the design into the fabric of its existing context while also integrating its past as a neighborhood retailer and historic structure. The brick building had been a beloved landmark known as Rod’s Liquor for the past 70 years. However, from when it was first constructed in 1915 to the 1950s, the building served as an automotive garage, service station and tire store. Over the decades the building changed hands on several occasions, and the façade was altered as new businesses moved in. With the restaurant conversion ahead, new design decisions needed to be made that achieved the goals of the owner, tenant, city, historical society and other stakeholders involved. Research into the building’s history uncovered photos of the structure in the early 1920s, and all parties unanimously agreed that the next evolution of the building should turn the clock back more than 100 years to restore its original façade.
As is the case with most historic renovations, the design team had to solve a wide range of development challenges and navigate a complex process of approvals. The keys to the project’s success were collaboration, communication, creative problem-solving and strong project management. By engaging the stakeholders early, the architects were able to capture their individual desires and guide the vision of the project towards a consensus. Great communication with the historical society was critical to understanding what could and could not be achieved from a historic renovation perspective. The design team hosted several stakeholder meetings in order to arrive at an agreed upon vision to enhance what existed, breathe new life into the building via restaurant use and extend the longevity of the structure for another century.
Authenticity in a historic renovation cannot be achieved without a strong understanding of the building and community’s past. In this specific instance, another special ingredient was added to the recipe: a deep-rooted love for Old Towne Orange from all stakeholders involved.

Design Architect:
AO

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:

Owner / Developer:
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Engineer:
Civil Engineer: Kimberly-Horn
Electrical: 2 Ground Electric
Mechanical: AC Experts Heating and Air
Plumbing: Superior West Plumbing
Structural Engineer: Okamoto Structural Engineering
Millwork: Freedom Design
Tilework: Daltile
Plumbing Fixtures: American Standard

General Contractor:
Platinum Construction

Consultant:

Photographer:
Greg Hayes