The Challenge

A group of architecture students from AmTech High School presented their innovative ideas for restoring the historic Pullman Diner, a 1938 landmark in downtown Amarillo. The semester-long project challenged students to blend historical preservation with modern architectural elements.

• The project involved creating designs for the diner’s exterior and interior, taking into account the building’s original layout and features.
• Students had to consider the diner’s historical significance and the need to maintain its character while incorporating modern elements.
• The project required students to think creatively about how to use the building in a way that would appeal to both old and new generations.

A New Vision for the Diner

Eric Combs, a teacher at AmTech, said, “The students presented the format of the building, the floorplan, 3D modeling, they also gave elevations and provided different aspects of how to use the building into coffee shops, possible diner use still and decided to keep the historical value of the building.” Combs emphasized the importance of preserving the diner’s original character while incorporating modern elements. Beth Duke, Executive Director of Center City Amarillo, praised the students’ work, saying, “It was over and above my expectations. Their vision and their clarity for what downtown needs and incorporate the historic and make it new and realizing that people’s needs have changed by making it pedestrian and drive-through, making it a little different. I was just really inspired.”

Expanding the Diner

Some students proposed expanding the diner with outdoor dining, drive-throughs, and areas for food trucks. Duke added, “It just shows that something old can have a new life and we know that many of the buildings downtown will never be what they were before, a department store or an office building but they can have a new life. And if we can save more of our downtown buildings that really gives downtown its personality.”

Preservation and Revitalization

Combs emphasized the importance of preservation, saying, “What we’re trying to emphasize along with Center City, we don’t want to see anything go away. We want to see existing buildings and facilities to be revitalized. And seeing anything torn down, I don’t want the students to see that.” The students’ project demonstrates the importance of preserving historic buildings and giving them a new life through revitalization.

A New Chapter for the Pullman Diner

Plans are already underway for the next historical building project for the upcoming fall semester. The students’ innovative designs for the Pullman Diner have set a new standard for preserving historic buildings and giving them a new life through revitalization. The students’ work has also raised awareness about the importance of preserving downtown buildings and giving them a new purpose. As Duke said, “It’s not just about saving the building, it’s about giving it a new life and making it relevant to the community.”
The project has inspired others to think creatively about preserving and revitalizing historic buildings, and it has demonstrated the potential for old buildings to have a new life. As Combs said, “It’s a great example of how we can preserve the past while creating a better future for our community.”

Conclusion

The students’ innovative designs for the Pullman Diner have restored the historic landmark to its former glory, demonstrating the importance of preserving historical buildings and giving them a new life through revitalization. The project has inspired others to think creatively about preserving and revitalizing historic buildings, and it has set a new standard for preserving historic buildings in the future.