SEASIDE, FL 2022
In this project, MVD transformed a real estate office in the heart of Seaside, Florida, into a bakery. As the third Black Bear Bread Company location that we designed, we were challenged to deliver a more sophisticated image, while still retaining the character and brand identity that had made this bakery a local favorite.
The new location was appointed with more luxurious finishes to achieve an elegance appropriate for an artisan bakery located near Seaside’s central square and amphitheater. It carried the rustic feel of the original Grayton Beach location with natural wood shelving and flooring. Its clean, soft white painted wood and the navy-blue striped awning were additional design elements reminiscent of other Black Bear Bread Company locations.
Another focus area was seating. Seating is paramount to a café experience. We attentively ensured that indoor seating would maintain broad views of the Seaside scene, while outdoor seating would be comfortable and offer shaded options. Inside, generous natural lighting from the windows reinforced the fresh feel of a modern bakery, a hallmark of the Black Bear Bread Company. Outside, our design maximized the use of exterior space. Seating is situated in the shade of nostalgic magnolias and the spreading branches of an oak tree.
In the central patio area, a few low-slung chairs in a rich, contrasting wood tone offered a clear invitation to passersby to rest and refresh with a baked good and aromatic cup of coffee. This passthrough continued on to the well-manicured central lawn of the former Motor Court, originally designed by Seaside city architect Scott Merrill.
Consistent with the walkable nature of this community, stairs extend along the entire front of the patio with a comfortably low height for easy approach. Accessibility is seamlessly integrated into the project with ADA-compliant ramps that maintain the original location’s appearance. Finally, an eye-catching sign projects from the building, alerting pedestrians on the sidewalk below of the baked delights waiting for them within.
Once completed, this location settled seamlessly into the Seaside lifestyle to delight residents and visitors alike with a menu of fresh-baked goods crafted from thoughtfully sourced local ingredients.
Photos by Jack Gardner
Services
- Documentation of Existing Condition
- Space Planning
- Architectural Design and Documentation
