The sushi bar forms the focal point of the restaurant. The trellis structure, though very simple construction, adds a dynamic element that draws people through the long narrow space.
The trellis and shelves are built from rough-sawn lumber, and the bar itself is constructed from a solid piece of black walnut with the natural edge left exposed. This gives the bar a very solid, natural character.
The building is shared with the Oregon Stationers store. The project included the restoration of the entire building facade to bring back the original historic character.
The storefront for Kame is a very narrow, so we used the awning and color scheme to help it stand out from the neighboring facades.
This was the facade as it existed at the beginning of the project. The original clerestory windows had been removed and covered with with metal panels, and the entry at the space that would become Kame, had been removed in a remodel in the 40's or 50's.
In this photo, taken in the 1930's, you can see the original clerestory windows, and the second entry that we would bring back for Kame.
Kame is a japanese restaurant and sushi bar that has been located in downtown McMinville for many years, and they have had a very loyal customer base. However they were outgrowing the space they were in and the location (a nondescript building on a side street) limited their visibility to new customers.
In this project they relocated to a larger space on the main street. The project included a complete interior remodel to add the kitchen and dining areas, as well as a full restoration of the facade to replicate the original 1920’s design, which had been mostly lost in a series of remodels in the 40’s - 60’s.
