Over the past year, our Winnetka cafe site has undergone a radical transformation visible from the street, but what many may not realize is that the interior work began long before the exterior did, and after many long months, the work is finally done and we are open! Over the past 2.5+ years that we’ve been working on this project, I’ve been asked about the design so many times, especially because it is an old retro gas station. A lot of people have been curious about how we arrived at the aesthetic we have.

Community, NewsJoanna TongDecember 7, 2023Tala Coffee Roasters Tala Coffee in Winnetka, Architecture Design Process, Coffee Shop Design, Cafe Architecture, Tala Coffee New Location, Coffee Shop Interior, Functionality in Design, Minimalist Coffee Shop Design

How We Designed Winnetka: Exterior

We looked at the broken windows, the piles of rubble, the broken-up concrete, and aged panels and saw what it could be. As we approach our finished product, I have to say that I think we were right. It looks pretty awesome.

Community, NewsJoanna TongOctober 11, 2023Tala Coffee RoastersTala Coffee in Winnetka, Architecture Design Process, Cafe Architecture, Coffee Shop Design, Tala Coffee New Location, Coffee Shop Exterior, Gas Station Renovation, Functionality in Design, Minimalist Coffee Shop Design

Tala is Coming to Winnetka

This iconic corner building at the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and Green Bay Road will soon be a Tala cafe, and we couldn’t be more excited. Although a very prominent and noticeable plot in the Indian Hills district, this building has been an out-of-place eyesore for many years, as the Village of Winnetka searched for the perfect addition to this neighborhood. We are excited to be breathing new life into this old building and opening our doors to become a hub for connection, community, and, of course, great coffee!

Community, NewsJoanna TongSeptember 28, 2023Tala Coffee Roasters Tala Coffee in Winnetka, Coffee Shop Design, Tala Coffee New Location, Cafe Architecture, Coffee Shop Build-out, Functionality in Design, Gas Station Renovation, Architecture Design Process, Renovation Process, Small Business Renovation

How We're Designing Our Libertyville Cafe

The twists and turns of this project have significantly impacted the design, so much so that our original plan differs hugely from our final product. As frustrating as limitations can be, I find that sometimes the best creativity comes not from what can be done, but what cannot be. It was precisely the limitations we were met with along the way that brought us to our final design.

Community, NewsJoanna TongAugust 23, 2023Tala Coffee Roasters Tala Coffee in Libertyville, Tala Coffee New Location, Coffee Shop Design, Minimalist Coffee Shop Design, Functionality in Design, Cafe Architecture, Architecture Design Process

blog