Charlie's wins design award

Charlie's restaurant has been recognized for its building design and construction during the recent 2013 Merit Shop Awards Gala in Indianapolis. Present for the ceremony were (from left) representatives from C.F. Jones and Brenner Design as well as Chuck Shroeder, CEO of Putnam County Comprehensive Services.

Charlie's restaurant was recently recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana and Kentucky as the Commercial Building of the Year under $3 million for its design and construction.

Putnam County Comprehensive Services CEO Chuck Schroeder and Charlie's store manager Mark Benassi worked for nearly two years on the concept of the new Greencastle restaurant, which employs a large percentage of developmentally disabled people.

The 9,000-square-foot restaurant is one of 21 buildings receiving an award of excellence during the organization's 2013 Merit Shop Awards Gala at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

"It was quite a surprise," Schroeder said. "Basically they called me and said it was voted on by a panel of judges and our building won the commercial building under $3 million. They also had a commercial building (category) for $3-10 million and $10-25 million."

The award came as a total surprise to Schroeder, who was unaware of the contest as the construction management group, C.F. Jones, submitted the entry.

"Built on a severely limited site, once the exterior structure was completed, the interior details were highlighted by the ADA compliance, which became a focus of the owners," C.F. Jones Group said in a statement. "With this of the utmost importance and all employees and customers in mind, the counters and serving areas are at appropriate heights for all. The exterior walls are finished with varied materials, colors and textures making the restaurant highly visible from the road."

From the standpoint of Charlie's, the award not only gives the restaurant recognition for its unique concept but also highlights the fact the restaurant design (done by Brenner Design) is one of the most unique fast-food places in the country.

"The building itself is one of the most unique buildings of its kind," Schroeder said. "I think the colors, the layout, the friendly atmosphere and just the overall design for cleanliness and environmental usage (make it unique)."

While it is the first design award for Charlie's, the restaurant has already won two awards for its concept from the Indiana Association Rehabilitation Facilities.

Among the other buildings included in the commercial section were a 60-apartment complex in the $3-10 million category, and the Eli Lilly Wellness Center in the $10-25 million grouping. Churches, educational and healthcare facilities were also represented as categories.

"The owners' vision of furthering Putnam County Comprehensive Services' established catering program was brought to life by commissioning this facility," a C.F. Jones Group spokesman said. "C.F. Jones is proud to have played a part in building a facility that encourages this not-for-profit, community-based agency that is responsible for providing service to persons with disabilities."

Charlie's is located on the west side of Bloomington Street, across from Robe-Ann Park. The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.