Roots Natural Kitchen sprouted in June 2015, as an affordable option to those seeking a healthy meal. The restaurant is located on The Corner, a historic and iconic Charlottesville hot spot for students, locals, and tourists. Roots was first started by recent graduates of the McIntire School of Commerce at UVa, with the mission to “sell delicious, affordable and healthy food and promote community health by donating a portion of the proceeds to the UVa Children’s Hospital.” Founders Alvaro Ansbach, Joseph Linzon, Jung Kim, and Alberto Namnum met at the University and developed the concept for the restaurant.

With the help of architect Garett Rouser, of Dalgliesh Gilpin Paxton Architects, the new restauranteurs remodeled the former Little India restaurant, creating a clean and welcoming space for customers.

Martin Horn, Inc. brought the concept to life, through refinished floors and tabletops, new lighting and paint, and a chic new bathroom. Access to the building was a challenge for the Martin Horn, Inc. team, due to the highly-trafficked West Main Street causing limited space for construction equipment and staff to enter. Arthur Rogers worked as both the estimator and Project Manager, implementing strategic solutions to challenges that arose on site.

Since completion, the restaurant has flourished and become a local favorite of health nuts and foodies alike.

PROJECT START:  January 2015

PROJECT DURATION:  5 months

CONTRACT VALUE:  $195,566

CONTRACT TYPE: Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)

PROJECT MANAGER: Arthur Rogers

SUPERINTENDENT:  Pete Schaus

ESTIMATOR: Arthur Rogers

OWNER: Alvaro Anspach; Alberto Nanum

ARCHITECT:  Dalgliesh Gilpin Paxton Architects

CONTACT: Garett Rouzer