A dilapidated former Trailblazer bus repair station gets a new social life as a German inspired beer and sausage hall aiming to foster community celebration and fellowship. The original barrel vaulted building was salvaged and re-clad in masonry veneer. The short office portion was removed and replaced with covered outdoor seating. A new parapet wall was replicated to “bookend” the existing building to match the other side.
Project Name: Von Elrods Beer and Sausage Hall
Studio Name: rootARCH
Project Size: 8200 ft2
Site Size: 17000 ft2
Project Budget: $1500000
Completion Date: 2017
Building Levels: 1
Location: Nashville, TN, United States
Photography: Tony Young
The existing garage door openings were utilized with new glass doors that allow the dining room to open to the adjacent street. Of note, the street is restricted to pedestrian only during baseball and soccer games at the adjacent stadium. Steel Bow trusses replicate the interior dining room outside while a playful translucent pattern was utilized using affordable polycarbonate roofing panels in off the shelf colors. Historical painted ceiling designs often found in Munich beer halls were utilized as loose interpretation.
The adjacent parking lot is designed to be multi-functional with overflow seating during special events. Exterior historic advertising murals were added to represent the local history of the building and the immediate area. Specialty tables and a “hugger” bench was designed exclusively for this space by a local craftsman. The mechanical and lighting systems were carefully designed to integrate into the existing structure. Special LED lighting is hidden within the bottom of each bow truss, indirectly reflects off the ceiling and acts as the primary lighting at night.
Great care was given to interior material selections. Sensitivity and connections to local materials and place were primary goals of the project giving it a foundation rooted in its history.
