Prune restaurant

The renovation of Prune, an iconic restaurant located at 54 East 1st Street (a six-story building constructed in 1910), focused on enhancing both interior design and structural integrity.  The project revitalized the cellar and ground floors, which house the restaurant, while maintaining the building’s historical charm. The full renovation of the restaurant included a modernized kitchen, upgraded bathrooms, and custom cabinetry. The tile flooring was replaced with Black Locust wood block flooring, adding warmth and texture. In the dining area, built-in furniture, including the bar, was updated, and painted birch plywood wainscoting was installed to complement the design. Stainless-steel wall panels in the kitchen and dishwashing areas were replaced with beadboard wainscoting and cabinetry, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere, and new light fixtures were installed throughout.

Structural and exterior improvements were equally transformative. The front entrance received a fresh coat of paint, enhancing the welcoming presence of this neighborhood favorite. New structural steel beams were installed on the first floor and in the vault area to reinforce the building’s support. Concrete sidewalk flags were replaced at the main entrance, which also allowed for structural work on the vault ceiling and the installation of new waterproofing to address leaks into the well-used cellar space. The first-floor roof was entirely replaced, and the stucco on the rear extension was restored. These structural and aesthetic upgrades have revitalized 54 East 1st Street, preserving the building’s historical character while honoring its historic charm and character.