Blanchard’s Coffee - Forest Hill

The second Blanchard’s location is across from street from their first ever storefront. Their deep roots in the neighborhood and the proximity to the James River park system were the inspiration for the design, with rows of stools looking out at their origins along the perimeter of a winding service path through the space. The new construction building that houses the café is a taut black box, and this space is a soft and creamy contrast to the dark façade. With a slight nod to the 1930s, we imagined cars driving by at night catching a glimpse through the large windows of patrons in a warm glow, a Hopper painting brought to life. Pausing for redesign during construction due to Covid, the café opened initially for walk up service only, later fully opening to visitors. We designed a curved patio leading to the front door. It is studded with boulders for those waiting for drinks to sit on, an homage to every Richmonder’s favorite pastime - sitting on a rock at the river.

Location: Richmond, VA
Date: 2020
Size: 750 SF