A proposal for a new French bakery in Old Town will be submitted to the Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday (May 7).
Arlington-based Eclairons Pastry and Coffee House wants to open at the old Firehook Bakery at 430 S. Washington Street. The location was Shuman’s Bakery for more than 30 years before Firehook Bakery took over in 2004.
According to the city:
The one-story brick vernacular commercial building was built between 1921 and 1941 when it first appears in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map as “Tire Sales Services” business. In 1952, the building was approved for a gas station which was the property’s use until 1969. In 1970 the building was converted into a bakery.
Restaurant owner Chef Toni Srour opened Eclairons in Arlington in 2020 and also owns Pastry Xpo in Falls Church. The restaurant offers a range of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Eclairons plans to do the following work on the 2,400-square-foot property:
The scope of work includes the removal of the existing mansard roof, recessed lighting within the mansard roof, and the storefront elevation (along South Washington Street) entry door, windows, and shutters. The elevation along Wilkes Street will retain the existing doors and windows, as well as the crown molding above the window on the fac,:ade, with the “Lunch” sign revised in the new tenant’s font. A new cornice with recessed LED strip lighting will be added along the perimeter of the parapet wall on both South Washington Street and Wilkes Street to illuminate the facade. A small portion in the center of the front facade will feature a new composite panel siding with an illuminated 3D signage, flush against the siding. The new composite panels will be attached with a method designed to preserve the existing brick. On the front elevation, the new doors and windows will be painted black. These modifications aim to enhance the building’s appearance while preserving its historic character.
