Project Statement

The Pumphouse, originally a water treatment facility construction in the 1950’s, sits in the heart of a residential neighborhood near Downtown Bentonville, within walking distance of the Crystal Bridges Museum. Airship Coffee had long admired the structure and brought on Jennings + Santa-Rita Architects to fulfill their vision of a re-defined building that provides space for gathering and serves the local community. The adaptively reused building now houses a coffee shop, restaurant, and bike shop.
The program of the building changed multiple times since it’s construction, including it’s use as a day care facility. A history of renovations created a challenging mix of interventions that were discovered through the process of rehabilitation. A large silt tank, extensive web of cast iron piping, and uneven floor surfaces added to the complexity of the project. The exterior character of the structure was to be preserved, while adapting the interior to the needs of the coffee shop. Many of the existing building’s elements required refinishing. Paint was removed and a new color palette was applied, linoleum floor tiles were removed with uneven levels being revised, and the basement water pumps were cleaned and repainted to become celebrated architectural artifacts. The entry was rethought, accounting for accessibility while using continuous wood slats to create a more impactful entry experience and draw visitors in. Outdoor space is provided in exterior grade-level and deck seating. The exterior brick and glass block windows were preserved, while damaged windows were replaced and fitted with insulating glass. In addition to natural light, sphere-shaped artificial light pendants drape from the ceiling in a playful pattern, providing ample soft light for the various types of seating throughout the coffee shop. The basement houses a bike shop where the original water pumps can be observed, accessible through the interior spiral staircase and through the exterior ramp. On-site parking is limited; as a neighborhood gathering hotspot owned by a company with a commitment to sustainability, Airship Coffee at the Pumphouse is intended to be accessed by bike or foot, rather than by car. Throughout the project there is a coexistence between the old and the new, where the connection between people and nature serves as the acting force in establishing harmony.