1881 BY LAKE ELMO INN
Union Depot | St. Paul MN
Creative Brief
The restaurant at Union Depot blended into its surroundings and lacked the presence a destination dining space should have. With walls the same green as the surrounding architecture, it visually disappeared within the historic Head House. Our goal was to create an identity that felt worthy of the building’s history—something that suggested an old-world steakhouse with depth, character, and a sense of legacy.
The Results
A bold black backdrop instantly transformed the space, giving the restaurant a stronger architectural presence within the depot. Dimensional gold lettering added warmth and distinction, creating a look that feels timeless, confident, and rooted in history. The result is a restaurant that no longer fades into the background—it stands out as a place with character, meaning, and a sense of importance.