Ants on a Log Café & Valley Rock Gym
The Perfect Café for a Local Rock Climbing Gym
The building known as the Tibet House sat vacant for years in downtown Corvallis until a group of adventurous friends saw a way to create a place for the community. The vision included an indoor rock climbing gym, a yoga studio, and a healthy café. The owners approached us to remodel the full exterior and design the new café. We used T&G boards from various species from Starker Forest Lumber, Luxury Vinyl Plank floor, bright quartz counters, and fun pops of color to mimic elements of the outdoor spaces that surround Corvallis. The upper portion was covered in 2 different colors of siding from Nakamoto & the lower portion was covered in Cultured Stacked Stone to break up the exterior and create texture. The east and south-facing awnings showcase a beautiful T&G wood ceiling, highlighting the new signage for the café and gym. The finished design is a transformation inside and out.
“As a long-time Corvallis resident, it was a joy to design a project that not only benefited my immediate clients but also the community as a whole. Working so closely with Ants on a Log Cafe and the Valley Rock Gym, it was clear that they are passionate about sustainability and supporting other local businesses. ”
Sarah Maisel, Senior Designer
Project Details
Locally Sourced Materials
Using T&G chinkapin boards along the entry and maple boards at the front counter from Starker Forest Lumber gave the café a personal touch. Mixing the various grains and wood species creates a beautiful and natural texture that looks amazing. It's a warm and inviting space with a unique view.
Thoughtful Exterior Design
To break up the exterior and create texture, the upper portion was covered in 2 different finishes of siding from Nakamoto with the lower portion covered in Cultured Stacked Stone. The east and south-facing awnings showcase a beautiful T&G wood ceiling to highlight the new signage for the café and gym.
Connection to the Rock Climbing Gym
These large windows at the bar seating area allow customers of Ants on a Log Cafe to enjoy viewing the climbers of the new rock climbing gym and plan out new climbing routes.
What our Clients are Saying
“It was a good experience. We have used them a couple of times. They did very high quality work and I would not change any detail. They were very responsive. We did not really have any problems with them. They were right on schedule towards completing the project but their price was a little bit high.”
Bart Eleveld, Corvallis
“Thank you for your work last summer. We continue to give out glowing recommendations!”
Arbor & Lynette, Corvallis
See the Cozy Cabin project
“We asked Christianson to design and build an entertainment center, a built in bookshelf and a built in desk and credenza. Designer Elizabeth captured our concept and turned it into a beautiful design plan. Ron at the cabinet shop came up with ideas for materials we would have never thought of. All the guys in the cabinet shop got excited about our project and we could tell we were in the hands of skilled craftsman. Jon kept us informed of the timing of construction throughout the project. They truly customized the space and the overall product exceeded our expectations.”
Eric & Laura Hennum, Philomath, OR
See the Integrated Built-in Cabinetry project
