Scope of Work
- Demolition of the existing storefront façade, excluding brickwork
- Custom fabrication of a new wood storefront system in black and white
- Design and installation of a functional bi-folding door system
- Integration of insulated glass for energy performance
- Application of high-performance exterior paint and custom hardware
Points of Interest
- Custom bi-folding door system allows full seasonal operability
- Faux granite-painted brick provides cost-effective sophistication
- Sleek black muntins frame each pane, blending modernism with warmth
Challenges
- Engineering a bi-fold door system that balanced insulation, weight, and daily use
- Matching visual finishes with existing interior design elements
- Achieving a high-end contemporary look with long-term durability
Materials & Techniques
- Materials Used
Sapele mahogany, 1” tempered Low-E Argon glass, satin nickel hardware, exterior paints - Techniques
Custom storefront milling, bi-fold door system integration, precision hardware installation, full painting - Tools Used
Traditional machinery, custom shaper blades, mortising tools, hand equipment, industrial painting equipment - Waterproofing
Concealed membrane systems, caulking, integrated flashing - Installation Notes
Full storefront replacement; bi-folding doors anchored and aligned to ensure seasonal flexibility and thermal seal
History
This project in 346 Gramatan Ave. involved a modern Italian restaurant located in Mount Vernon, NY, looking to move away from a dated storefront design. Right Path Windows & Restoration was tasked with fabricating and installing a sleek, contemporary custom wood storefront system that would better reflect the restaurant’s evolving brand and customer experience.
Building Information
Type of Building: Commercial (Restaurant)
Location: Mount Vernon, NY
Year Built: Not specified (Contemporary façade project)
Why the Work Was Needed
The original storefront façade lacked cohesion with the restaurant’s refined interior and modern menu. The owners wanted to open the space visually and physically to the street while providing comfort and insulation throughout the year. A more open, versatile, and design-forward solution was needed.
What We Did
The existing façade was fully demolished, apart from the brick, which was faux-painted to resemble granite for visual contrast. We fabricated a full storefront system from Sapele mahogany and finished it in Benjamin Moore semi-gloss black paint for a crisp, modern effect. The new design incorporated black frames and muntin’s surrounding large panes of 1” low-E Argon insulated glass.
The centerpiece of the new storefront was a custom bi-folding door system that opens onto the street in warmer months, enhancing the dining experience. To ensure year-round comfort, the insulated glass provided both thermal protection and visibility. The bi-fold system was engineered to strike a balance between durability and weight—light enough to function smoothly, but substantial enough to seal tightly in cooler seasons.
Hardware included satin nickel custom pipe handles, bi-folding hinges, mortised locks, and kick plates—complementing the overall black-and-white theme.
The finished storefront seamlessly connects with the restaurant’s interior: light-toned brick walls, white tablecloths, and black seating—allowing the food to remain the true focal point.