Wells Fargo Museum Opens In Charlotte, NC
Wells Fargo Museum now open!
Wells Fargo has opened its branch history museum in Charlotte, NC. The museum is located in the Three Wells Fargo building. Visit their website for more details and to book a tour.
Wells Fargo Museum:
American Roadside Burgers Opens In Charlotte, NC
American Roadside Burgers exterior
Wagner Murray Architects is proud to announce American Roadside Burgers (ARB) has opened its newest location at 440 S Chruch St. in downtown Charlotte, NC. Be sure to stop by and try one of their delicious burgers and if you're brave enough we recommend The Roadstar®! ARB plans to open a second Charlotte location in early spring 2012 in the South Park area. Please visit their website for more details.
American Roadside Burgers website:
http://americanroadside.com/
Branch Library Receives LEED Certification
Hickory Grove Library
The Hickory Grove Branch Public Library, designed by Wagner Murray Architects, has just received LEED certification. The building was recognized for its sustainable use of interior and exterior materials, as well as its efficient mechanical system and day lighting components that contribute to a significant energy reduction of the facility. Other features include rainwater collected from the roof which serves the Children’s Garden adjacent to the children’s reading area within the building. The building has been enthusiastically received by the community and the Library staff.
Hickory Grove Library Interior
American Roadside Debuts In Charlotte
Venerable Long Island Hamburger Joint Opening in October
American Roadside Burgers, a Smithtown, New York operation, has been expanded by Rich LaVecchia opening its first series of stores in Charlotte and elsewhere in the near future. American Roadside brings back the quintessential American burger experience. The concept incorporates fresh ground meat and natural ingredients in an atmosphere reminiscent of the classic American diners and roadside joints of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The décor intimates our nostalgic connection to driving and the American roadside dining experience.
The menu and the design say it all. The alluring aroma of hamburgers frying on the grill, the sweet-salty taste of fries, the cool lure of a frosty shake, all of this with impeccable service at a great price. Wagner Murray Architects was pegged to come up with a marketable and memorable décor and graphic design package. Natural aged American barn wood, patina metal panels and a host of interesting, informative and whimsical graphics all come together making this an unforgettable and delicious experience.
Map of Burger America: Did you know the hamburger in America has a long and notable history. This map says it all.
American Roadside Burgers Map
This photo collage illustrates all of the quirky, colorful and out-right funky history of the American roadside burger joints.
American Roadside Burgers Photos
American Roadside Burgers Interior
American Roadside Burgers Interior
American Roadside Burgers Exterior
When was the last time you saw an old fashioned dial face clock? Each of the ARB stores will have a post mounted exterior illuminated clock reminding you it is time to stop, have a burger, fries and a thick cool shake.
American Roadside Burgers Clock
We hope your meal was lots of fun!
American Roadside Burgers Sign
What a Place – What A Show The Whole Town Wants to Go This Old Theater is Now Aglow
Historic Webb Theater Reopens as Nick’s Steak and Taphouse
When patrons enter Nick’s new downtown Gastonia restaurant, they are in for a surprise - especially, if they remember its heyday as Gastonia’s only balconied downtown theater. Many of the interior historic features are intact, such as the floral molded screen surround, the tiered balcony and the original staircases leading to the upper levels of the building. During construction, the design team discovered a structural feature that they felt was better exposed than concealed. The “bridge like” riveted steel structure that holds the balcony aloft is now completely revealed, giving patrons at the four-sided bar beneath a full view of the imposing framework. A great barrel-vaulted ceiling now secures this space retaining its grandeur and height while providing an architectural feature that delivers a spacious volume with an energetic and vigorous appeal. The feel is all excitement, all energy including a new high definition 16’ wide theater screen. Sunday afternoon football fans will no longer be sitting in their living rooms in Gastonia. They’ll be at Nick’s Steak and Taphouse.
Kings Mountain Downtown Revival Begins
Nick LaVecchia Opens New Dining Concept - Battleground Steakhouse and Bar
Battleground Bar - Exterior
Nick LaVecchia continues to look for opportunities outside the teaming center of Charlotte. Having established himself as one of Charlotte’s outstanding independent restaurateurs, Nick has recently opened new restaurant concepts in Belmont, Gastonia and now, Kings Mountain. Kings Mountain is steeped in Revolutionary War history. It was the turning point of the Revolutionary War when the Battle of Kings Mountain forced the British to retreat to the east coast, ultimately ending with the battle and surrender at Yorktown
Keying off this important historical point, Wagner Murray designed a restaurant that respects the tradition of Kings Mountain Main Street, while at the same time enlivening a space with historical artifacts, images and an interior of rough sawn cedar, local to the environs as an appropriately rustic decor
Battleground Bar - Dining Room
Battleground Bar - Bar
“Kings Mountain, as all small towns outside of Charlotte, are always on the verge of prosperity. These downtowns, though many have succumbed to suburban progress, have attempted to maintain their identity. Focusing on this context, we created a storefront and a destination for the community and Main Street.”
The space is adorned with typical Wagner Murray touches, including historical sketches of the key figures in the Kings Mountain battles created by Dave Wagner, principal with the firm. Also above the bar, 21 long rifles stand at attention to the prescribed military gesture, a greeting to the patrons of the bar, as well as a salute to honor the community and its military past
Battleground Bar - Portraits
The New LaVecchia’s Reopened March 18
Fresh, Fun, Fintastic - WMA injects visual magic into a former restaurant space.
A Charlotte institution, Nick LaVecchia recently relocated his 12-year-old restaurant into new digs. Slightly smaller, but still visually stimulating, the giant metal fish sculptures that graced his former space are now suspended just above reach and project a shimmering, aquatic backdrop within a colorful, vibrant setting.
The space resonates with a friendly yet exotic appeal. A landmark reborn.
“The restaurant had to present a lively dynamic; it is internal to the building, without a view to the street. We had to give the space an intimate, inherent charm, where all the focus is inward,” says design principal Dave Wagner.
Gallery:
1300 Baxter Street Becomes Midtown Centre
Minimal Transformation – Maximum Improvement
1300 Baxter Street, formerly Charlotte Town Center, is being transformed. A mid-century concrete icon, its simple, unadorned façade follows the principles of the contemporary 1960’s aesthetic. With minimal alterations, verticality of the building’s presence is being readdressed, incorporating an entry façade with a projected framework feature along with the addition of roof line louvers. The building takes a dramatic visual turn with the least amount of embellishment.
Existing Building
Restrained – smart and contemporary.
1300 Baxter Exterior Render
The lobby is polished and refined with fine finishes complimenting the building’s aesthetic.
A new skyline view conference room is being incorporated into the second level of the building.
Restrained – smart and contemporary.
Flatiron Kitchen and Tap House
DAVIDSON, NORTH CAROLINA
New Restaurant Design Delights, Inspires and Entertains
Wagner Murray Architects Creates Features and Focal Points to Enhance Triangular Building Plan
Being playful and being whimsical aids the creative process. It allows non-programmed opportunities to emerge. Being tuned to the specific design needs of the project can be a springboard to serendipity, the faculty of making discoveries by accident.
Michael LaVecchia and his partner, Chad Hollingsworth, along with Dawn LaVecchia and Tim Groody have established a landmark/ destination in Davidson, North Carolina. A unique, triangular shaped plan, the name of the restaurant recalls the famous design of the Flatiron Building in lower Manhattan.
The designers saw an opportunity to take this plan and create a restaurant that enhances its unique geometric shape. An octagonal shaped bar creates the focal point as the customer enters on the apex of the triangle. In the center of the bar, a 25 tap copper, stainless and glass beer tower creates a significant special effect to the design of the restaurant. The entry/reception contains a custom-designed, fabricated and assembled lighting fixture by the architect’s design team. Three hundred and sixty faceted triangular shapes create a stunning visual effect with this illuminated feature. Architect/artist David Wagner provided all of the original drawings for the restaurant which were inspired by Tim Groody’s inventive menu. Each sketch depicts a specific serving of food captioned to the menu. The new restaurant seats 135 patrons.
Copper, glass, stainless steel Beer Tower adds whimsy and interest to the octagonal centerpiece bar.
Multi-faceted Flatiron chandelier provides a unique lighting effect in the entry/reception area.
Original artwork by David Wagner adorns the walls.
Floor plan showing the organization and layout of the Flatiron Restaurant.
Kings Mountain’s Mayor Announces Opening of New Old Stone Steakhouse
Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey announced today the opening of the new 3,900 square foot Old Stone Steakhouse in downtown Kings Mountain. This is the second restaurant for Nick LaVecchia whose popular restaurant in Belmont, North Carolina offers regional cuisine with Nick’s gastronomic flair.
In addition to designing the restaurant with Wagner Murray Architects, themed with natural stone, reclaimed brick and timber, WMA principal, David Wagner, will be commissioned by the City of Kings Mountain to paint a Revolutionary War mural depicting the Battle of Kings Mountain. Kings Mountain has actively nurtured its historical ties to this pivotal revolutionary battle which turned the tide for the Patriots and ultimately led to the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. The mural will be approximately 30’ long and grace the Old Stone bar, aptly titled, “The Battleground Bar.” The restaurant is expected to open late summer 2010.
Old Stone Steak House - Kings Mountain - Concept
Old Stone Steak House - Kings Mountain - Floor Plan Concept
Old Stone Steak House - Kings Mountain - Bar Concept
