"Russell and his team at CK Architects really made our vision come to life.  We had some time constraints and a tremendous amount of red tape to navigate and Russ took the time to assess our goals and then developed a roadmap to deliver the project on time and in budget.  I was particularly impressed with Russell's organization and the way he approached P & Z, and the various town committees involved and his design approach where he improved many of our buildings shortcomings. 

Russ developed a strategy where we did not have to close the restaurant one night and he broke our project down into phases where we could address the different infrastructure demands and his close monitoring of the building process.  I certainly look forward to working with CK Architects again on our next project and feel confident that Russell's team will work wonders for us again."

Brian Parri
Owner, Cafe Routier Bistro & Lounge

PROJECT NAME:  Café Routier Bistro & Lounge

PROJECT TYPE:  Restaurant Renovation and Addition

PROJECT CONTEXT:  Café Routier is in a federal style home on Route 1 in Westbrook. The new owner wished to enhance the ambiance and character presented by the building through updates and new additions.

PROJECT LOCATION:  Westbrook, CT

PROJECT COMPLETION:  Spring 2006

PROJECT PROGRAM:  The new owner wished to reinvigorate the tired interiors.  They were looking to create a lounge space adjacent to the existing bar to comfortably accommodate waiting diners, casual conversations and a tapas style menu in an intimate, hip atmosphere.  We also designed an accessible entrance and made changes to the back of house space to facilitate the preparation and service of the bar and dining areas. Numerous mechanical and structural shortcomings of the existing facility were also addressed. 

DESIGN SOLUTION:  The historic house that is home to the restaurant presents a charming façade which helps to convey the atmosphere the owners and patrons value. Working with a historic home as a restaurant presents some real challenges to the functional aspects of food service.  To create the new lounge space, we removed an existing exterior deck and awning which gave only seasonal dining and added a residential scale wing addition in the same footprint.  We introduced columns and boxed beams to create a large opening connecting to the lounge to the existing bar area. Through ceiling height changes and half walls we created a variety of spaces to allow for intimate dining and conversation.  We were able to add a ramp to existing front entry vestibule with details in keeping with the period of the house.  We helped to coordinate numerous structural and mechanical upgrades to the restaurant as well as the addition of a wonderful wine cellar in the basement, which helped to expand the restaurant’s offering of fine wines.

MATERIALS:  We matched the exterior materials of the addition to the main house.  The windows in the addition are larger and bring in light during the day and celebrate the higher ceilings in the lounge.  Interior finishes include custom painted millwork and accent lighting.