A Historic Landmark Reimagined for Modern Connection

There is something deeply rewarding about preserving a piece of local history, especially when it is being repurposed to serve the community in a fresh, vibrant way. Here at C&R Design Remodel, we are proud to give you an inside look at one of our most unique recent undertakings: the full reconstruction of the historic Little Gem Grocery building into the beautiful, highly functional Playgrounds Café at the A.C. Gilbert House Children’s Museum right here in Salem, Oregon.

For decades, the Gilbert House has been a beloved institution, offering a magical space for children to learn through play. However, museum leadership recognized a missing piece in the visitor experience—a true connection point for parents and caregivers to recharge, connect, and refuel. By reviving a designated historical asset on their property, they envisioned a welcoming fueling station complete with a soda bar and fresh specialty coffee drinks.

Here is the story of how our team turned that vision into reality, balancing strict historical preservation with modern commercial utility.

The Vision & Design Strategy: A Bridge to the Community

From a structural standpoint, this project required a Full Reconstruction. The building had to be carefully updated from its early 20th-century origins to meet rigorous modern commercial building and health codes, all while protecting its historic charm.

One of the most brilliant aspects of the museum’s vision was accessibility. The Playgrounds Café was engineered to be a dual-access space:

• For Museum Visitors: Accessible safely from within the fenced museum grounds during a day of play.
• For the Public: Accessible directly from the public-facing side of the property. Local neighbors, commuters, and parents strolling by can stop in for a premium espresso drink or soda without needing to purchase museum admission.

To accommodate this seamless flow, our team strategic shifted the layout: one original exterior door was meticulously preserved, while one door was updated and altered to optimize pedestrian traffic, safety, and operational efficiency.

Balancing Past and Present: What Stayed vs. What Changed

When working on a historic treasure, the rule of thumb is to preserve the character-defining details that tell the building’s original story, while completely replacing the hidden infrastructure.

Our craftsmen spent hours treating the original exterior siding and character-rich original windows with the utmost care. On the inside, we preserved the original wainscoting interior trim, anchoring the cafe’s aesthetic in its authentic 1918-era roots.

Behind the scenes, however, everything is brand new. Because a grocery store from a century ago was never meant to power high-end espresso machines or commercial refrigeration, we routed all-new electrical systems and carved out entirely new plumbing lines and dedicated drains to support a fully functioning food and beverage menu.

The Transformation: Before & After

Our design team maximized every square inch of the footprint, drafting custom blueprints to transform the layout into a high-capacity barista and soda bar station.

To bring the interior to life, we designed and installed custom cabinetry, durable commercial countertops, optimized storage zones, and a gorgeous new tile backsplash that complements the historic wainscoting. Finally, the entire building was completely repainted inside and out, utilizing a color palette that respects its architectural history while feeling bright, clean, and welcoming to modern families.

Predictable Process, Rapid Execution

Living through a major construction phase can be daunting, but our structured design-build process is built to keep timelines tight and predictable. Thanks to seamless coordination between our designers, project craftsmen, and commercial sub-contractors, the entire construction phase was completed in just 2 months.

By managing the permits, architectural parameters, and trades under one single contract, we minimized downtime so the Gilbert House could open its doors to eager parents and children right on schedule.

Stop By and Experience It!

Whether you are looking for a place to connect with other local parents while your kids explore the museum, or you’re simply looking for your new favorite neighborhood morning coffee stop, the Playgrounds Café is ready to welcome you.

Are you feeling inspired to transform a unique or historic space in your own home? Contact C&R Design Remodel today to schedule your Phase One consultation. Let’s write the next chapter of your property’s story together!

Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation.

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