Project Name:

BOTOWN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Program:

Exterior rehabiliation/renovation of City of San Jose Structure of Merit.

Description:

Originally built in 1967 as a Sambo’s Restaurant, the distinctive structure at 409 S. 2nd Street is a rare surviving example of “Googie” Architecture, or “Coffee Shop Moderne”. Cracked plaster was replaced and historic light fixtures were restored throughout. A new membrane roof system was installed to replace historically inappropriate simulated barrel tile. Sculptural elements and fresh materials such as quartzite slate tile were added to reinforce the sculptural character of the building. New lighting and signage elements and restoration of the existing monument sign enabled the tenant to do away with the vinyl banners that were being used as makeshift advertising. Barren dirt planters were replaced with a semi-tropical planting scheme per the tenant’s suggestion.

As befitting an established local restaurant, a color scheme symbolizing wealth and success was chosen to highlight the Chinese cuisine and pride in the proprietor’s culture.

Project Location:

San Jose, California

Client Name:

City of San Jose Redevelopment Agency

Completion Date:

2009

Construction Cost:

$330,000

Project Team:

Tenant: Botown Seafood Restaurant

Architect: Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc.; Eugene H. Sakai, AIA, LEED AP, President, Catherine Gutierrez, Assoc. AIA

Landscape Architect: Greg Ing and Associates; Greg Ing, Principal

Contractor: Tucker Construction, Inc.; Mark Tucker