The Multi-Use Cypress Grille Restaurant & Conference Facility was designed for The Department of Natural Resources by CMMI Architecture and Interior Design

ATLANTA, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- CMMI, Inc. and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are pleased to announce the opening of the new 3,000 square foot Cypress Grille restaurant at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club in Cordele.

CMMI, an Atlanta-based firm, was commissioned by the Georgia DNR to design the facility as a multipurpose structure adjacent to the new marina. A key feature of the Cypress Grille is that it has two main entrances so that visitors can enter either dockside, via a new walkway from the marina, or street side from the parking area.

"The Cypress Grille is inspired by the rustic and bucolic setting of Lake Blackshear," said, James Culpepper, AIA, Principal, CMMI. "The inspiration for the new restaurant came from the lake and the new marina. We wanted to continue the casual atmosphere where the inside and outside meld into a singular environment that encourages people to enjoy the beauty of water while on land," added Culpepper

The restaurant, which serves casual cuisine, is open on three sides and constructed under a large metal roof parallel to the street. The rustic, utilitarian structure, constructed with concrete blocks and vertical metal siding, features exposed ductwork and structural roof system. Three French doors can be opened to take advantage of good weather. To strengthen the visual cues to the water and marina, a mottled, blue stain was applied to the concrete floor and small scale mosaic tiles were applied to the wall behind the bar for additional sparkle.

Inside, the dining area is rotated at an angle to offer a panoramic view of the water and the marina from most of the 50 seats. An outdoor terrace provides additional seating, as well as display space for a boat dealership, presenting diners a close-up view of new boats for sale. In addition, the adjacent outdoor area can accommodate additional meeting space for the Lake Blackshear Resort.

"We are delighted with the design and function of the new Cypress Grille," said Bob Newsome, Assistant Commissioner, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "It captures the casual spirit of this wonderful location and provides a multi-purpose facility on a modest budget that is attractive and easy to maintain," added Newsome.

Located inside the 1,308-acre Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, the Lake Blackshear Resort and the new Cypress Grille are situated along the tranquil shores of this 8,600-acre pristine lake. Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club boasts an upscale lodge and conference center, a 120 slip full- service marina, an 18-hole golf course and an abundance of outdoor activities, wildlife and sporting diversions. Lake Blackshear was created in 1930 by the damming of the Flint River to provide low-cost power to the citizens of Crisp County.

The Lake Blackshear Resort presently includes accommodations in a selection of 14 lodge guestrooms, 64 villas and 10 quaint lakeside cabins. CMMI was recently commissioned by the Georgia DNR to design additional guest cottages.

About CMMI

CMMI, Inc. is an Atlanta-based design firm that offers an integrated blend of architecture and interior design expertise. Since 1987, the firm has completed numerous high-end projects in the public and private sectors, including hotels, resorts, high-rise residences, conference centers, visitor centers and senior living facilities. CMMI provides programming, architecture, interior design, wayfinding, and sustainable "green" design services across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, please visit http://www.cmmi-redlines.com/ .

Source: CMMI, Inc.

CONTACT: Gayle MacIntyre of Global Ink Communications for CMMI, Inc., +1-404-643-8222, gaylemacintyre@aol.com; or Peggy McCue of CMMI, Inc., +1-770-676-7600, pmccue@cmmi-redlines.com

Web site: http://www.cmmi-redlines.com/