What a Gas: 1950s Gas Station Reinvented as Restaurant

Merit Award: Commercial Remodeling Under $250,000

By Nina Patel

What a Gas

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A 1954 storefront and gas station is remade into a modern restaurant with authentic 1950s details.

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Project Info

Designers: Wiese Hefty Design Build, San Antonio, and Poteet Architects, San Antonio
Contractor: Wiese Hefty Design Build

Priorities

Convert a dilapidated 1954 storefront and gas station into a restaurant; reinforce the existing structure’s foundation

Solutions

At first the owners of this restaurant began working with architect Jim Poteet, who created conceptual drawings for the building exterior. But it soon became apparent that the small project and tight budget were better suited to a design/build model, so Wiese Hefty Design Build was hired.

Architect Kristin Wiese Hefty says the owners wanted a modern restaurant, but one that took its cues from the era of the original structure. To expand the feel of the 933-square-foot building, the designer placed the outdoor seating area to the side of the building, with the entry, and added a canopy.

Judges’ comments

The judges appreciated the “life and energy” the designers infused into this project. “I find this really animated,” one judge said. They were also impressed by the authentic details and 1950s-style elements. —Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.