Completed at the Crossroads

Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects has just finished remodeling a long vacant space at the Crossroads, Carmel. The once vacant and outdated space has been completely transformed from the inside out to make way for a new bakery/steakhouse, singularly owned by Hans Hess, but separately named BreadSong and SteakCraft. WR&D arose to the challenge of designing a versatile space, suitable for both a casual breakfast and a wagyu steak dinner.

When Mr. Hess, a born and raised Carmelite, first came across the space, he knew that changes needed to be made, and he chose to work with fellow locals: Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects. The exterior of the building was previously made up of weathered siding coated in lemon-yellow paint that was peeling and cracking due to water damage. Along with this, the window and door casings were outdated and overdone, which may have deterred previous tenants. The complete fa?ade of the building was scrapped and replaced with clear grained, unknotted pine siding, and remains unpainted for a clean and natural finish. Each window casing was simplified and the doors were replaced to enhance the understated elegance of the overall aesthetic. The "before" photo below reveals this dramatic transformation.

Along with the exterior, the interior of the space has been completely remodeled to accommodate a full bakery, butcher counter, and bar as well as a seating area that would be praised by the most critical brunch afficionado or hifalutin foodie. The front of the store boasts display cases of freshly baked bread and delectable deli meats along with a barista counter, so customers can have their early morning fix while grabbing breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up following lunch. Venture to the back to find a sophisticated yet comfortable dining room with modern embellishments, including elevated booths and a mirrored ceiling. If you prefer privacy, the space also boasts a separate, more intimate dining space that features a vaulted barrel ceiling.

WR&D Project Manager, Ken Turgen was imperative to the design and completion of this project. He worked in tandem with Mr. Hess to bring the vision of BreadSong/SteakCraft to life.

BreadSong is now open for lunch starting at 11:00am and will soon be open for breakfast as well. Come on down to the Carmel Crossroads to try out your new favorite lunch place.

This successful project has certainly been an exercise in versatility. Stay tuned for the next WR&D project to be completed.