Peppers & Fries renovation wins architectural design award

The American Institute of Architects Minneapolis chapter has awarded a Merit Award to CityDeskStudio, for their innovative renovation of an abandoned gas station into a vibrant neighborhood restaurant, Peppers & Fries Burger & Burrito Grill.

The AIA Minneapolis Merit Award recognizes projects that tell a compelling story of excellence beyond the single component of design. It recognizes the variety of components and forces that shape a building and enrich the lives of the users, as well as, the depth of experience, knowledge, and passion that architects bring to their projects.

This project reinvigorated a corner of Lake St. that was an empty building, an unkempt lot, and overgrown vegetation for six years. The site was plagued by squatters, graffiti taggers, and trash dumpers.

According to the architect, Ben Awes, “The greatest challenge was in using an existing Super America building instead of building new. The building is a simple masonry structure with little or no insulation.” His firm’s approach was “to fit in and stand out” by highlighting and building upon what was already there. Existing materials were used wherever possible, and reclaimed wood was used for tables and bar tops.

Concrete floors were simply ground down and finished, which alleviated the need for new flooring materials. Large glass pull-up garage doors were installed to connect the outside patio with the life and energy within, creating a vibrant indoor/outdoor space that Minnesotan’s crave.

“It is great to see cars parked in front of what had been a dark and vacant building,” says Ruth Romano of the Longfellow Business Association. “A clean and cheerful space and good food at reasonable prices, has attracted a steady stream of repeat customers and young families from the neighborhood and beyond. It adds to the revitalization of a commercial corridor once known more for car dealerships than burgers and burritos.”

With Ben Awes’ vision and collaboration with the rest of the development team (Denise Fierst Designs, and local general contractor Emerald Builders) Steve Frias and his daughter Marie saw their dream become a reality. Peppers & Fries is an urban restaurant and sports bar that combines a love of authentic scratch-made burgers and burritos, a passion for baseball, and a commitment to the local neighborhood. Only blocks from the Mississippi River, Peppers & Fries, fills a hole on the east end of Lake St., and a need in the local community. Becoming a neighborhood gathering spot, and making a positive contribution to the local community, are part of the restaurant’s mission.

An upcoming issue of Architectural MN will feature a story and photos on the project.