Café Pettirosso is a re-imagining of a much-loved coffee shop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. We expanded into the adjacent space, creating a kitchen and dining area as well as a European style cafe/bar. In the process of demolition we discovered a forgotten room that had been boarded up which we converted to a server station. The materials palette strives to respect the industrial character of the space and building. Using a combination of salvaged, reclaimed, and new materials, the ambiance is decidedly casual and unassuming. New windows allow light to filter into the space, creating a cozy atmosphere during the day and a connection to the lively neighborhood at night.

Behind the dining room is a small room that we found during demolition, which is now used for storage and the wait staff. Reused wood and zinc fire doors (from an original car elevator) add to the industrial charm. The patina of the materials gives the illusion that this restaurant has been here forever, while the modern updates keep it feeling new and fresh. One of the most exciting aspects of this space is the use of reclaimed materials. Here, old gymnasium light fixtures find new life as the focal point of the dining room, and help to illuminate the existing ceilings