Chesapeake’s West, designed by Johnson Architecture, has earned a 2020 Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchids Award for the transformation of a tire center into a modern, nautical dining experience.

To accomplish their vision, the owners, Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants, collaborated with longtime partner Johnson Architecture to artfully remake the cinder block building into a 17,600-square-foot restaurant and event space.

“Starting with the shell of a tire warehouse in an unassuming location required us to be creative about how to bring life into the space,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “Our solution was a shipboard-comfortable environment with a sleek, industrial look. The entire team appreciates this recognition for the finished product from Keep Knoxville Beautiful.”

The Orchids Awards are presented annually to recognize Knoxville’s most beautiful properties and the local businesses and organizations who work to create them. Chesapeake’s West was honored in the restaurant/café/bar/brewery category.