Ervin Architecture's already award-winning Maine restaurant project, KANU, captured first place in the People's Choice Award for Maine AIA in 2024.
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As part of an economic initiative to revitalize the City of Old Town, Maine, as a must-see arts and entertainment destination, local Restaurateur and Owner of Waterfront Concerts Alex Gray launched Kanú, a three-story, multi-functional complex. Charged with bringing the client’s commitment to his hometown to life, Ervin Architecture’s design pays homage to Old Town Canoe, an expert watercraft business owned and operated by Gray’s family for generations. Kanú welcomes guests with a local fare, farm-to-table restaurant on the first floor, a lively nightclub and performance space on the second, and a breathtaking rooftop lounge on the third, offering an unforgettable experience to locals and travelers alike. In 2017, Ervin Architecture kicked off the multi-year adaptive reuse project, transforming a 19th-century, brick- and-timber mercantile building into the downtown district’s anchor tenant. The property boasts 9,000-square- feet of well-appointed, memory-making spaces dedicated to flavor and fun, playing on all the human senses.
The restoration of the bricks of the exterior facade was a significant component of the project’s success. Ervin Architecture reimagined the streetfront design while being sensitive to the historic character of the original building. This required the team to diligently bring the brick back to its former glory by cleaning, repairing, and highlighting its texture and color. Upgrading Kanú’s exterior within the Old Town community, this restoration
honors the building’s historical context and contributes to the overall charm and character of the property.
The award from Maine AIA is a tremendous honor and we look forward to continuing to produce award winning projects for Maine and beyond.