Ellwood Thompson

At the near West End intersection where Thompson and Floyd avenues converge with an Interstate 195 off-ramp, there’s a curious-looking building that’s easy to miss but hard to forget.

While this round, single-story, concrete block structure of 1954 is unmistakably modernistic, from the street it exudes a medieval, castlelike ambiance with austere walls, lack of windows and sturdy mahogany double doors.

Upon entering the 2,700 square foot building, however, it’s apparent this gem springs from the early Sputnik era, when many modern American architects espoused light, efficiency and connection to nature.

In the fall Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market, purveyors of regional and organic groceries, completed an achingly sensitive renovation by Walter Parks Architect