Robinia is an exterior urban courtyard to a unique three proprietor restaurant concept in the growing East Washington Avenue corridor in Madison, Wisconsin. Historically a vehicle fueling and storage yard, the hidden area has been transformed into a 120 person dining/performance area. The space is designed to appear as if the buildings grew up around this remnant landscape. Existing concrete was saw cut to create planting pockets, a signature mortar-less sandstone wall defines use areas while a gabion wall defining the rear of the space reuses concrete from the site while incorporating sandstone accents. 20’ Robinia pseudoacacia trees were transplanted for canopy shade while a mix of ‘wild’ native perennials will be placed to soften the floor. Robinia is an exercise in restraint and craftsmanship to maximize programming capabilities and connection between the establishments which frame this space.