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
“Excellent company! Working with G. Christianson Construction was an easy process... Experience, expertise and genuine interest was evident in the professional advice that completed the project within budgeted cost and schedule. HIGHLY recommended!”
Tim Love, Corvallis Waldorf School, Corvallis
“The designer, Elizabeth, was amazingly talented. Her knowledge of ADA construction details and resources was impressive. Not only did she succeed at designing bathrooms, toilets, and a kitchen that are fully ADA-compliant, but they are aesthetically beautiful as well as functional and practical. I had never heard of 'flying toe kicks' before, but they make it so easy for me or my husband to sit in a chair while washing dishes or preparing food in the kitchen. I had also never heard of ADA-compliant appliances, but Elizabeth had - and they make life so much easier! Cooking in my new kitchen is now a dream rather than a nightmare. ”
Barbara Shields, Corvallis, OR
See the Wheelchair-Accessible Kitchen & Bath project
“Greg Christianson's team took the plan and the ideas we had about an open floor plan and made it happen. Transforming an aging rambler into a bright welcoming home. They did a fantastic job and we would hire them again in a flash.”
Dominique Bachelet and Steve Wondzell, Corvallis
See the Whole House Open Concept project
