Lobster Trap

The J.H. Law China and Cutlery Store at 35 Patton Avenue is part of a contiguous row of two, three and four-story buildings lining Patton Avenue. Originally built in 1885, it was occupied by numerous retail establishments over the years. The building was extensively remodeled in 1948 by the Asheville Army Store when the windows were replaced, the brick was stuccoed and an elevator was added.

Initially we did shell improvements to the whole building, including structural repairs and upgrading all the systems including new electrical, mechanical and plumbing. We added a sprinkler throughout, refinished the original wood floors, and refurbished the original tin ceiling. By installing exposed spiral ductwork throughout we were able to keep the original ceilings intact. We blew in insulation above the tin ceiling for sound separation between the commercial and residential levels. On Patton Avenue, we replaced the aluminum storefront with a wood operable window system. The rear windows on College Street were reworked. We were able to remove a load-bearing wall that had been added, thus restoring the main floor of the building to its original open condition. This required new supporting beams with columns through walls in the lower floor, down to grade.

A full kitchen, bar and seating areas were added – with a nautical theme. One of the challenges was getting the kitchen exhaust hood up through the 3 floors above and utilities down through the retail space below. The restaurant seats 105 people.

ARCHITECT: Glazer Architecture