Little Saint Healdsburg

Ken Fulk Inc. | Healdsburg, CA | 2023

Lightswitch worked with Ken Fulk Inc., New Deal Hospitality, and Single Thread to reshape 25 North Street, formerly The Shed, into Little Saint – a restaurant, community gathering space, and concert venue in the heart of downtown Healdsburg, CA.

WHAT IT WAS

Originally called The Shed, the building at 25 North Street sat vacant until Ken Fulk Inc. brought in a team to help revamp the eatery and turn it into Little Saint – a modern, hip, and welcoming space for all. Lightswitch was asked to advise on lighting multiple areas within the new floor plan, including the main floor restaurant and retail space, as well as the second-story concert space.

WHAT WE DID

This project allowed the Lightswitch team to showcase our full range of design capabilities, as it required us to repurpose existing lighting, incorporate new fixtures, and work with large windows and two separate performance locations.

First, we concentrated on the architectural lighting of the restaurant area. Because the windows of the dining space let in lots of natural light, our task became a balancing act. While the ample sunlight during the day made the restaurant feel light and airy, the space lacked wayfinding on its own. We added additional pendants and track lights to help guide guests from the entrance into the shopping and grab-and-go food station, all while perfectly highlighting the artistry of the custom mural above. Finally, we added warm tones to the downstairs dining area to create a comfortable space that showcases the incredible, all plant-based menu.

Second, Lightswitch was responsible for the concert lighting system. In the upstairs section of the restaurant, we set out to create architectural lighting that could transform with the push of a button. This flexible space incorporated a temporary stage for weekly use, which needed to be able to morph into a tasting kitchen for special events. The result was a theatrical-style lighting system suitable for the featured lo-fi performers, as well as a user-friendly custom interface for both the stage and architectural systems. We also provided a simple lighting system for the downstairs restaurant space that’s ideal for smaller, more intimate concerts. This system was disguised within the existing architecture of the sit-down restaurant.

WHY IT WORKED

Lightswitch’s success on this project stemmed from the versatility of the space itself – as well as from our established expertise in both entertainment and architectural lighting, which complemented each other perfectly during this process. While the existing structure provided a solid foundation of lighting through daylight and basic equipment, it lacked warmth, direction, and an element of storytelling. We worked with the existing architecture of the restaurant to achieve the clear vision of the Ken Fulk team and bring a cohesiveness to the space. The fresh design is already well-loved in the community, with the residents of Healdsburg frequenting this hip new hub for dining, concerts, and all-around good times.

photography by Joe Pierce