BUILDER STUDIO

PROPOSAL: EAT GOOD FOOD SPACE

by Colin Davis, class of 2003

Executive summary

Despite several strong economic engines, Middlebury has recently suffered the loss
(for different reasons) of several downtown businesses (Amigo's, Eat Good Food,
Bookstore in the Alley), while others are struggling to stay afloat.

I propose that the college and Battel Block work together to create an indoor plaza
spanning the old Eat Good Food space, as well as the current Belladonna space,
which would include:

· a collection of retail and food shops in a central space (3-5 total)

· an indoor, public space (café upstairs, lounge downstairs)
· information/ tourism center
· riverfront deck (shared by restaurants, beer garden)

The proposed space will help revitalize downtown business, rather than create com-
petition. The college and its diverse student body have a great opportunity to con-
tribute a fresh, hip, flavor to Middlebury’s identity. This would be a collaborative ef-
fort, benefiting all involved.

Table of Contents

P1 Executive Summary
P2 Program
P3 Logistics
P4 Budget
P5 Benefits
P6 Background
P7-9 Concept Renderings

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

1
BUILDER STUDIO

Design/Use Program

General

Social space for college students

Small retail space
Public gathering
Connected downtown
Performance and Gallery
Pedestrian street

Main Floor (word-sketch)

Commercial Information center

Bustling Meeting point
Circulation Path Collaborative
Public Small performance space
Place-promotion Evening drinks
Light-filled

Lower Floor (word-sketch)

Flexible Lounge
Performance space Cozy
Club Low key
Gallery Student work
Joint Use Classes
Hang Out

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

2
BUILDER STUDIO

Logistics

This proposal has the express support of Bruce Hiland (Battell Block), and Rachael
Teachout of Belladonna. It could be done all at once or in phases. Below is a sug-
gested 2 phase timeline. Capital costs would be divided between Battell Block, Col-
lege, the Town of Middlebury, and known grants. Sub-leased space would defray on-
going cost to the college.

Flexibility

The main floor is designed to balance security (for retail shops) with a sense of open-
ness and allows the space to operate as an eatery/bar after normal business hours.
The loft and the larger retail space can be secured.

Circulation

A strong central axis is emphasized to encourage pedestrian traffic through the

space (out onto the deck and beyond). It would function as a small indoor street or
alley, providing access to the shops inside, as well as those along the back of the Bat-
tell Block.

Phase 1

The renovation of the old Eat Good Food space to include:

· one larger retail space on the south wall of main floor
· two lofted, smaller spaces utilizing current steel structure (north wall)
· two serving stations operated out of current kitchen
· café tables/and stand-up bars
· minor changes to the bar (creation of Soda Bar? Beer, wine….)
· covering current stairs to restrooms (they would be accessed from “lounge”)
· flex-space on the first floor for rotating exhibits, booths, a tourist desk, etc.

As soon as renovations were complete, Belladonna would move upstairs to occupy

the lager retail space, and serve as the anchor business. The vacated space would
serve as a simple lounge and performance space.

Phase 2

Deck construction, access from east door on main level

Upgrade lower level with a bar and more advanced AV equipment, stage, etc.

The size and cost of the deck would vary based on buy-in from other businesses in
the Battell Block. Ideally, it would tie into (via door) to the former Amigo’s and to
Carol’s and continue to the east end of the building where it would descend to street
level.

P.O.
BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM 3
BUILDER STUDIO

Budget (Rough Cost Estimate)

(Design Fee 14,200.00

Phase 1
Demolition 2,000.00
Loft 5,000.00
Main Floor 30,000.00
Lower Level 15,000.00

Total 66,200.00

Phase 2
Deck 60,000.00
Lower Level 30,000.00

Total 90,000.00

Project Grand Total 156,000.00

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

4
BUILDER STUDIO

Benefits

Middlebury College:

· social space in town for students

· performance venue / “hang out” spot
· town/community relations
· town aesthetic and economic health strengthens “sence of place” for current and future
students/staff/faculty

Town of Middlebury

· affordable, prime, retail space

· town "mall" (in classic sense)
· momentum starter for riverfront development
· bring more student money to downtown
· attractive to tourists
· particularly strengthens existing Battell Block businesses
· connection to community initiatives (e.g. Famer’s Market, Town Hall Theater)

Synergy

· Farmer’s Market
· Town Hall Theater
· Teen Center
· Arts Connect
· Student Groups

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

5
BUILDER STUDIO

Background

Colin Davis: After graduating from Middlebury College in 2003 with a B.A. in geogra-
phy and pre-architecture, Colin Davis continued to study building and design as a
carpenter and as an apprentice to adjunct architecture professor Parker Croft. He has
experience in modern construction techniques as well as traditional practices such as
timber framing, plastering, and masonry work. He has been involved in the restora-
tion of several barns and buildings throughout Vermont as well as independent de-
sign projects for small residences and a community center in Khadoor Sahib, India,
for the Bawa Development Study. He also served concurrently as the executive direc-
tor of non-profit WR3A, and vice president for Good Point Recycling in Middlebury,
both electronics recycling organizations. Colin is now the owner of Builder Studio, a
small design/build firm in Middlebury, Vermont.

The Proposal: As a small business owner and renter in Middlebury, I have been very
aware of spaces downtown and have noticed the following: 1) there is very little, if
any, small retail space for start-ups, or business that just don’t need that much space;
2) there is no public indoor space downtown (the Grill is the closest thing we have);
3) the waterfront is underutilized in both a commercial and aesthetic sense; 4) any
college activity downtown in a business-sense has the potential for controversy.

This proposal speaks to all four of these points.

The benefits of creating an indoor plaza and outdoor space (deck) in the Battell
Block are bigger than the sum of its parts. Not only will it create affordable retail
spaces downtown, the increased activity and activity-density will float all other boats
in the area., activating the riverfront, town green, and other businesses.

The willingness of Belladonna to vacate their space and become an anchor business
upstairs would allow this proposal to hit the ground running. Belladonna is successful,
aesthetically appealing, recieves a lot of traffic, and would serve to attract other busi-
nesses to fill the smaller, lofted spaces.

This is a win-win. The college is creating a great resource for its students, stimulating
the downtown economy, and providing a framework for continued town-gown col-
laboration.

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

6
BUILDER STUDIO

Looking East: food and café to the left, a loft that would house two small retail shops, open
space in the foreground (right) would be flexible, while Belladonna would occupy the large
retail space to the back right. Door visible in sketch (back wall) leads to deck.

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

7
BUILDER STUDIO

Looking North: a full view of the loft (vacant in this rendering), stand-up eating, and café
along the north wall

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

8
BUILDER STUDIO

Looking South: the space Belladonna would occupy—a four foot wall with minimal wrought
iron fencing extending to six feet would allow the business’ colorful wares and flowers to
liven up the rest of the space, while providing security for after-hours events.

P.O. BOX 933, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT 05753 · (802) 989-0895 · BUILDERSTUDIOVT.COM

9