Olio and Elaia

UIC served as design-builder and developer for this new venture by our good friend, chef Ben Poremba. Olio, described as a “grown-up wine bar and eatery”, is located in a former 1930’s Standard Oil station that had been covered in plaster and stood abandoned for over a decade. Following a careful uncovering and analysis of the existing structure to determine the original form and brick pattern, we were able to lovingly complete a rehabilitation of this iconic structure. Olio, and it’s sister restaurant Elaia, are now and important anchor for our redevelopment of the Botanical Heights neighborhood.