Angelo & Son’s Seafood Restaurant: A Local Landmark Reimagined
For decades, Angelo & Son’s Seafood Restaurant has been an iconic landmark and cherished family tradition for residents and visitors of Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin counties in Florida. Originally constructed from remnants of the old Fort George military posts, the wood structure perched on pilings over Ochlocknee Bay stood as a testament to the region’s history and charm. Tragically, Hurricane Dennis destroyed the structure in July 2005.
In the aftermath of this devastation, the Hammond Design Group Architects (HDGA) was commissioned to design a new restaurant that would honor the character of the original structure while incorporating modern resilience and functionality. Working closely with the owner, HDGA developed a facility that expanded the kitchen and dining areas and was engineered to withstand storms with winds up to 160 mph. The new structure, completed in 2007, followed the exact footprint of the old facility, thanks to Angelo’s ownership of the river bottom and collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers to permit the extension over the water.
A Resilient and Modern Facility
The new 18,994-square-foot restaurant is a testament to modern engineering and thoughtful design. Key features include:
- Elevated Precast Hollow-Core Floor Slab: Providing a durable foundation elevated above potential flood levels.
- Precast Concrete Wall Panels: Ensuring structural strength and durability.
- Metal Truss System and Standing Seam Roof Assembly: Designed to withstand high winds and provide long-term reliability.
HDGA’s approach involved a comprehensive integration of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, as well as careful consideration of window assemblies and interior finishes to reflect the character and charm of the original restaurant.
HDGA’s thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail have allowed Angelo & Son’s to continue its tradition as a beloved gathering place for the community, blending history, resilience, and modern functionality.
