Commercial $350,001 - $750,000

This project didn’t just renovate a 1954 building; it revitalized a community landmark and continued a family legacy. Al and Ernie’s had long been a familiar name in downtown Battleground, and restoring the cafe to its original identity ensured it remained part of the town’s fabric.

The aging structure posed a challenge, especially with its open layout. Decades of wear had left the building leaking, rotted, and outdated.

The goal was clear: create a bakery cafe that felt like it always belonged.

The solution was a thoughtfully designed floor plan that created four distinct seating areas, preserving an open feel while managing sound levels. The original wood truss ceiling, hidden for years, was restored and left exposed, adding warmth and character while absorbing noise.

Instead of erasing history, the approach was to uncover and restore. The commercial kitchen was efficiently integrated in the back, while the front baking station allowed customers to watch the bakers at work, fostering a connection between craft and community. The walk-in cooler was salvaged and reworked for shared access between the kitchen spaces.

Classic wainscoting honors the building’s history while blending with modern craftsmanship. The deep, neutral green paint was selected for its inviting balance. Louvered glass in transoms and new horizontal mullioned windows on the south wall connect to the past and provide ample daylight without glare, creating a comfortable setting for diners and those working on laptops.

Art throughout the cafe tells a visual story, celebrating the family’s roots, the natural surroundings, and the building’s many iterations.

The result is a café that feels timeless, familiar, and built to last.