Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS
Arlington, Va.
Project Partners include: Potomac Construction Services

The historic single-story brick building, a retail pad site on the Dominion Apartments site, was originally occupied by Mr. W’s, a candy factory and ice cream shop in the 1950s. It was converted to a Sherwin Williams Paint store until 2019 and recently renovated and converted into a neighborhood restaurant, Ruthie’s All-Day Restaurant, providing indoor and outdoor dining for Dominion residents and the surrounding community. Once a symbol of bygone eras in Arlington Heights, the meticulous restoration of the building not only preserves the architectural legacy of the past but also breathes new life into the area, becoming a pivotal anchor for the community.

The renovation preserves the form and aesthetic of the original building on the property. Existing masonry and original window openings in the kitchen are fully restored. Utilization of existing structure and exterior materials preserves embedded energy, eliminates landfill waste, and systems improvements conserve energy. The revitalization expands beyond the building itself, as the surrounding streets benefit from increased foot traffic and a lively atmosphere, creating a sense of connection and community engagement.

Inside Ruthie’s All-Day, the restauranteur has created a bit of nostalgia with vintage wallpaper, brass accents and aqua-green painting recalling patinated metal. The carefully detailed dining patio becomes a seamless extension of the restaurant’s interior. Its presence draws neighborhood residents and destination-seeking visitors to its inviting ambiance and culinary offerings. The project stands as a testament to the power of historic preservation, fostering a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that positively impacts the neighborhood’s vibrancy and identity.

Conversion of the historic candy shop into a local restaurant maintains the retail use at a prominent neighborhood corner, contributing to the pedestrian-friendly scale of the streetscape. Ruthie’s All-Day is a longstanding piece of community history which has been preserved and adapted to serve for many years to come.

Visit the Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS website.