Port Jefferson Remodel

2025 // COMMERCIAL RENOVATION // 2,800 sf

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Project Overview

The Port Jefferson Renovation reimagines a well-known seasonal destination within the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area. The project transforms an existing open-air snack and ticketing structure into a fully enclosed, year-round facility while expanding covered outdoor dining and improving accessibility, safety, and operations for both patrons and City staff.

Design Intent

Located directly along the Pecos River, the project balances durability, public use, and context. The design prioritizes flexibility for seasonal operation, improved visitor flow between the riverfront and adjacent park amenities, and long-term resilience against weather exposure and heavy public use.

A key design driver was maintaining the informal, approachable character of the existing structure while substantially upgrading building systems, code compliance, and accessibility standards.

Architectural Approach

The renovation encloses the former covered dining area to create a conditioned interior dining room, modernizes the kitchen and service areas, and introduces a new roof configuration that unifies the existing and expanded building footprint. New covered outdoor seating areas extend use toward the riverfront while providing shade and weather protection.

Material selections emphasize durability and ease of maintenance, with cementitious exterior cladding, standing seam metal roofing, and resilient interior finishes appropriate for a high-traffic public food service environment. Accessible routes, ramps, and restroom facilities were fully integrated into the design to improve universal access throughout the site.

Program Elements

• Enclosed indoor dining area

• Commercial kitchen and service zones

• Public restrooms

• Fire Department office space

• Ticketing window for river and recreation activities

• Covered outdoor patio and seating areas

Project Metrics

• Location: 814 E Riverside Drive, Carlsbad, NM

• Client: City of Carlsbad

• Project Type: Renovation & Addition

• Occupancy: Assembly (A-2)

• Interior Renovation Area: ~1,655 SF

• Covered Patio Area: ~1,100 SF

• Total Footprint: ~2,755 SF