The story of Parkside begins with an entrepreneurial mother-daughter team who envisioned expanding their local bakery business. Their vision centered on repurposing the former Conoco into a full-service community-oriented restaurant.  

Located on a prominent corner adjacent to City Park and facing Poyntz Avenue – Manhattan’s main street - the change in building use was complementary to the growth and activity of the local community. The existing auto-court was renovated to become a large outdoor dining area with landscaping and areas for games and live music. The overhead gas canopies were repaired and provide shade. Inside, a large custom bar replaced the old service counter. The dining room occupies two of the three former auto-repair service bays. The third bay was converted into the kitchen. To recall the building’s former use, one of the overhead auto service bay doors was replaced-in-kind and is opened in nice weather.   

Listed as an historic building at both the state and federal levels, the renovation was completed using the historic tax credit program. The auto shop components of the building were removed and rehabilitated where required, existing single pane windows were replaced with insulated glass, the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems were comprehensively replaced and upgraded. Small additions to the north and east sides of the original building house new restrooms, mechanical space, refrigeration, and a dish washing room.  

Through thoughtful adaptive reuse, the former service station was transformed into a vibrant dining destination that combines historic preservation with contemporary hospitality.