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© 2025 Fine Line Studio, PLLC
Commercial, Resort / Master Planning

Trading Post

Year
2006
Location
Mariposa County, California

CHALLENGE

Coyote Springs Ranch was envisioned as a destination development positioned along a key route for travelers heading toward Yosemite National Park. The Trading Post was intended to serve as both a functional hub and a symbolic heart of the ranch, combining a mercantile, restaurant, and gathering space for visitors and residents alike. The challenge was to design a building that felt authentic to the historic trading posts of the Sierra foothills while meeting modern programmatic, structural, and code requirements. It needed to accommodate heavy seasonal tourist traffic, express craftsmanship and permanence, and integrate seamlessly with the broader ranch development, which included cabins, homes, and a church. Achieving this level of authenticity required a deep understanding of log and timber construction, as well as close coordination with regional suppliers and craftspeople.

SOLUTION

We designed the Trading Post as a two-story, porch-driven structure rooted in traditional Western and frontier architecture, expressed through a refined and intentional use of log, timber, and stone. Deep wraparound porches provide shade, weather protection, and places for informal gathering, reinforcing the building’s role as a social anchor within the ranch. The massing and roof forms reference historic mercantile buildings, while stepped parapets and simple signage establish a clear identity visible from a distance. A locally sourced log and timber system was central to the design. Working closely with a regional log supplier, we developed column spacing, beam sizing, railing systems, and connection details that balanced structural performance with visual authenticity. This collaboration allowed the architecture to express honest construction, with exposed log columns, heavy timber beams, and stone bases grounding the building in its landscape. Interior spaces were organized to support both retail and dining functions, with the restaurant designed as a warm, communal environment. Exposed log ceilings, wood floors, and large windows create a welcoming atmosphere that connects patrons to the surrounding hills and porches beyond. Circulation between interior and exterior spaces is intuitive, allowing the building to flex between peak tourist seasons and quieter periods without losing its sense of scale or purpose. RESULT The Coyote Springs Ranch Trading Post serves as a recognizable landmark and gathering place for visitors traveling to and from Yosemite National Park. Through careful proportion, material authenticity, and close collaboration with local timber suppliers, the building achieves a sense of timelessness and credibility that resonates with its setting. It functions successfully as both a mercantile and restaurant while anchoring the larger ranch development with a strong architectural identity. The result is a durable, welcoming structure that reflects regional traditions, supports tourism, and reinforces the client’s vision for a cohesive and authentic destination.
[*Completed in collaboration with Gravitas]
@2025 Fine Line Studio, PLLC
@2025 Fine Line Studio, PLLC