The 3,200-square foot design was wide open but comfortable, with plenty of tables and seating and a few plants to soften the look. Quick turnover was not the name of the game at Queen City Grounds. The look is clean and modern with white walls, earth tones, and rustic cabinetry and trim. A 19-foot by 30-foot interior mural by Scott Partridge adorns one wall, and a mezzanine offers a lofted area as well. Huge windows treat customers to heapings of natural light and invite them to stick around and enjoy their latté. 

From the owners: “This part of Uptown is growing and, especially, we liked all the residential units here. So, we thought it would give us an opportunity to be a homier, neighborhood coffee shop, as opposed to being in the hustle and bustle.” The neighborhood hangout vibe was readily apparent and echoed in the shop’s tagline, “Stay Grounded.” 

Finally, for fans of British science fiction, the bright blue walls of a “bigger on the inside” TARDIS can be seen unfolding on the mezzanine. This is an homage to an early British connection—their roasting company, now called Nightflyer, was originally slated to be called “Parliament” after a group of owls.

Year Completed: 2018
Type of Build: Upfit/Interior renovation
SF: 2,250

📷 : Michael O’Neill