Shelby's Trio

Project Statement

Following the announcement of a Multi-Purpose Event Center to be built on one corner of an under used urban intersection, a husband-wife partnership acquired a former gas station property on the adjacent corner with great potential. This intersection is a key point within the city, linking vehicular access between a State University, an Historic Downtown, the Cumberland River, and a major Military Installation.

The owners, being serious car collectors and owners of a Top Fuel Racing Team, programmed the ground level restaurant with an automotive-garage theme. The original 1940s Gulf Gas Station, which formally resided on this property, is illustrated as a ghost image behind this Project Statement. A key requirement includes a display area for rotating classic cars.

As a life-long dream, the partnership programmed an Italian restaurant at the second floor for luxury style dining.

The third floor offers an open-plan bar/lounge with operable by-folding doors/windows and garage roll-ups with a rooftop open-air patio offering views of the new adjacent MPEC, other developments, the Historic Downtown and the Cumberland River.

Since the purchase of this property, multiple new entertainment and mixed-use developments have been announced in the immediate vicinity including the University’s new Visitors Center. This is creating a shift in the focus of this downtown toward this particular intersection.

Architectural form and aesthetic of the structure orients toward the new MPEC and other developments while creating its unique vocabulary taking advantage of sun angles, consistent breezes from the river basin and framing spectacular views in all directions.

Integration - The site is the former home of a Gulf Gas Station, a local fixture to the community and the project makes many references to its predecessor with the design of the first floor restaurant being garage inspired and displaying personal collectible automobiles. It also displays photography of the old gas station and relics of Gulf products.

This building orients the user to look beyond and engage in the surroundings. It is first done by large openings towards the redeveloping historic urban district which includes views of historic churches and buildings but also a view of the descent into the Cumberland River and the agriculture plateau beyond. It provides the unique experience of appreciating the transitional development of downtown while also admiring the beauty of rural Tennessee. This encourages the user to explore places beyond Shelby’s Trio, whether by the walkable proximity to the historic district or by a visit to the riverside park.

Lastly, the products selected were chosen in homage of the native and historic materials of this area. Brick, warm wood, and continual operable openings at each level that guests can engage with a range of palette and experience the building in a variety of ways. The design of the building also was done in such a way to maximize outdoor views and natural lighting into the dining spaces, as well as provide the opportunity of outdoor dining if so desired via operable windows, rollup doors, or collapsible window-wall systems.

Economy - The new concept one-stop, three restaurants experience is designed for flexibility in the future.

The first- and second-floor restaurants have their own kitchen and back of house support.  The third floor rooftop bar is conveniently serviced by the main floor kitchen.  All three levels are connected by two separate public and service elevators.  This extends the building’s longevity by allowing adaptability for future tenants.

Space is available to reserve for events and meetings and has been widely utilized by the community in its first year of service. \n This building has already had a large impact to the downtown economy as the historic district is entering a revival and being redeveloped with a recently opened arena, renovated hotel with shopping district, and a performing arts center. Shelby’s Trio has helped promote exploration of the historic urban district and help encourage other entrepreneurs to grow the local economy.

Well-Being - Shelby’s Trio prioritizes the user’s experience – whether a guest or an employee.

Glazing covers much of the east, south, and west facades and installed in a combination of fixed clerestory windows, operable window-walls, roll up doors, and other fixed windows and at a height that provides consistent natural light deep into the dining space. Artificial lighting is used sparingly and as focal pieces in the dining space.

The operability of the windows allows patrons and employees to adjust the thermal comfortability of the space as needed. \n Seating arrangements on all three zones are designed to provide a variety of options from large groups to solo visitors for those who wish to spend time outside or prefer indoor cozy booth seating.

All back of house spaces are relegated to the same zone, limiting any mechanical noises, kitchen noises or exhausts, etc. into the public realm. The kitchen space was designed in such a way to streamline communications between kitchen staff and servers and expediting orders to tables.