The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center's Board of Directors envisioned that 202 West Street, the site of the original Light House Shelter, could create jobs for Light House graduates by repurposing the building into an advanced Culinary Training Center, Bistro, Coffee Bar and home for Bistro Catering. Four much needed permanent supportive apartments for Light House residents were added on the second floor.
In keeping with The Light House mission of reclaiming lives, the interior of the building uses fixtures and materials that are repurposed and reclaimed. The wood walls are replaned floor joists from the original building. The Bistro Chairs are refinished 1950's Naval Academy chairs used by Plebes in the USNA dining hall. The pendulum lights are from an old Pepco plant in Baltimore. The bar stools, tables and waiting benches are handcrafted from reclaimed barns. The artifacts around the Bistro are from Bowen's Farm Supply in Annapolis. The seating next to the old brick wall is an original pew from St. Anne's church where The Light House began almost 30 years ago.
During the three years of planning and construction of the Bistro people from all parts of the community came together to make this project happen. On February 27, 2017 we opened our doors to the public with 45 graduates of The Light House B.E.S.T. Programs trained and eager to both provide a superb dining experience and build belief in what is possible. In the same tradition as Buddy Levy's grocery store located in this building in the mid 20th century where people from all walks of life gathered, we hope The Light House Bistro will continue to be a unique neighborhood spot where all people in the community can have a seat at the table.