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barrio restaurant

3500 square feet | tucson, arizona

architect: rob paulus architect

contractor: repp design & construction

materials: steel, tile

The Barrio Restaurant, located in downtown Tucson, in the bottom floor of a two-story building that dates from 1914. Built in conjunction with a complete overhaul of the historic facade of the building, the design plays off the "old" brick building with new playful forms and re-interpretations of existing materials. Designed within a limited budget, the concept creates space within the tight framework of the original structure and then expands this space to the outside dining area. Framed overhead with a tensioned fabric canopy, this exterior dining area is lit from below at night to become a welcoming lantern to guests. Working closely with a local artist, colors and textures were chosen to play off the earthy tone of the rusted steel elements of the design. The restaurant has enjoyed great success and has become a pivotal component of the revitalization of downtown.