The Lion Restaurant, San Leandro, California

Part of a Design Assistance Program, this project is in progress. The goal is to update an existing, family-owned restaurant with a more contemporary expression of its Italian fare. Utilizing Classic architecture, the new facade and restaurant will feature outdoor [covered and uncovered] sidewalk seating, highlighted with a fountain. A small accessory building will be converted into a market deli, also specializing in Italian foods, wines, and cheeses which will augment the main business and serve informal patrons. A new driveway entry arch will connect the two businesses, giving them a common identity while also creating a presence for the restaurant complex. The proposed project will do much to enhance the streetscape and improve the existing neighborhood, an otherwise drab stretch of MacArthur Boulevard.