Project Description
The renovation and re-purposing of this three story 1911 building into a new restaurant marks the fourth phase of use for this historic building. Designed initially as a single family residence in the early 1900’s, the house then became a boarding home in the 30’s, a clothing store in 1959 and now enters a new phase in the 21st century as a restaurant along the thriving Main Gate Square at the University of Arizona. The design and approach for this first out-of-state Illegal Pete’s restaurant from Colorado preserves the authentic character of the existing building’s exterior while simultaneously infusing the site and neighborhood with new life. A key design feature was to remove all interior walls of the historic house with skillful structural interventions to provide open floor plates necessary for the “House Party” vibe of this fast casual dining establishment. Contrast between time periods defines the concept with a new modern structure at the back of the building to house bathrooms and back of house functions that counters the historic 1911 structure up front that houses the cooking and social space of the building. This clear demarcation between historic and new design is thoughtfully articulated to keep old looking old while new elements bring a completely different yet compatible language and materials.