Upward Projects hired the Phoenix studio of Shepley Bulfinch to assist with the interior build-out. Ryan Grabe, project designer, felt a special connection to the project because he was a frequent customer of the other two Postino locations. “Working with Upward Projects on a concept I’ve always enjoyed myself was rewarding,” he says.
However, he notes there were challenges along the way, the greatest of which was synchronizing the renovation of the exterior shell with what his team was doing on the interior. “We coordinated with the building owner and the members of his independent A/E/C team to ensure the project was completed properly and that the scope of the developer’s work and that of Postino East met seamlessly,” Grabe notes.
Despite having been vacant for more than three years when construction began, the building was in great shape and required no structural reinforcement. The team decided to take advantage of the building’s good bones. “We stripped the building to its core industrial framework,” Grabe says. “The building owner had sand blasted the paint off so we left all the exposed concrete-masonry-unit-load-bearing walls, painted the steel beams the same color as Postino Arcadia, and added industrial-style lighting and exposed ductwork to celebrate the core structural elements.”
The flooring is exposed concrete, conduit is visible and acoustical ceiling panels are hung from the joists, adding to the raw, exposed environment.
Grabe’s layout took its shape from the existing building. Clustering seating areas and using rich colors and finishes helped create the sense of intimacy Upward Projects desired.
The new openings in the building shell make the space much more welcoming than it had been in the past. “It was important for the design to open up the restaurant to engage the rest of the district,” explains Christopher Nieto, principal with Shepley Bulfinch. “You see that in a number of elements, including the generous use of glass, the new outdoor seating with its view of the historic water tower and the indoor/outdoor bar. The design piques the curiosity of passersby and creates a strong sense of invitation.”
The industrial feel of the restaurant is juxtaposed with the use of warm woods, rich colors and vintage accents that were salvaged by Upward Projects. Bailey and Kris DeMarco search the world for one-of-a-kind pieces to use in their restaurants. “We never like to buy anything out of a catalog that anyone else can get,” Bailey says. “We like to find objects that are unexpected. We rely on Etsy, eBay and craigslist, as well as have relationships with furniture dealers here and in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York who call us when something comes in that we may like.”
The Neighborhood Connection
After a year in production, Postino East opened in March 2012 with a benefit for a group associated with Gilbert Public Schools. “We created a ‘First Look’ event that benefitted Arizona Brainfood, which is an organization that provides meals to kids at night and on the weekends,” Bailey explains. “We sold tickets to the event with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Arizona Brainfood. It was a great turnout, and
the event was amazing.”
Six months after its opening, Gilbert’s residents continue to embrace Postino East. “The restaurant’s popularity since its opening and the response of community planners offer compelling testimony to the successful execution of the original vision and to Postino East’s contribution to the economic and aesthetic vibrancy of Gilbert’s Heritage District,” Grabe notes.
The success of the restaurant also is a testament to Upward Projects’ company culture. “We can have a beautifully designed room and the best food, but what makes a restaurant successful is the people who come to it,” Bailey states. “They provide the energy and excitement. That’s why we’re so dialed into the community. We really want to make sure that all their needs are met because at the end of the day without them you’re just left with a really pretty, empty space.”
Photos: KAT NANIA, COURTESY OF SHEPLEY BULFINCH
Retrofit Team
- Owner: Michael Bennan, Oakmark Properties LLC, Scottsdale, Ariz., (480) 951-9988
- Lessee: Upward Projects, Phoenix, upwardprojects.com
- Exterior Architect: Nelsen Partners, Scottsdale, www.nelsenpartners.com
- Interior Architect: Shepley Bulfinch, Phoenix, www.shepleybulfinch.com
- General Contractor: Venue Projects, Phoenix, www.venueprojects.com
- Structural: Struktur Studio, Scottsdale, www.strukturstudio.com
- Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing: AESI Engineering (Air-Zona Systems Engineering Inc.), Phoenix, www.air-zona.com
1 Comment
i stopped by the first Postino’s soon after it was open. I grew up in that neighborhood as a kid to 1960, so the trip included seeing the old family home, with unbelievably tall ‘miniature’ palm trees. I met a buddy there, another architect. We both were practically deaf when we left. The place was full and very loud. Every surface was hard. I can understand the ‘excitement’ factor, the feeling that you’re not alone in a public drinking place. And I also understand health code issues for impermeable surfaces. And I understand it’s some kind of trend to have noisy places, that are ‘bright’ or reflective. And last night, I got back from a short vacation, and wanted a snack. So myself and a friend walked to the Postino’s on Central. We sat outside at the bar. The sandwich was good and huge! That’s nice, tho not cheap, did feel the price was worth the cost. I took half of it home, so maybe half the price for half the size, and I don’t have to eat it the next day too? But, even outside, the Central store seemed too loud too. OK, I’m almost 60, but that’s not to say that ‘Voodoo Child’ is not one of my favorite all time tunes. So loud sound is not new to me. My guess is that, from looking at the pictures of the new Gilbert Postino’s it will also be ‘bright’. I also add the Pita Jungle on Indian School, near 32nd ST (?) in this uncomfortable loudness place list. I have not gone to that one again, and I have eaten at the original Pita Jungle since it started. So maybe, there’s a way to make the place feel ‘fun’ or ‘exciting’ but not deafening, after all, I was completely uninterested in the conversation of the couple next to us last night, he was a jerk. BTW: I’m starting a brew-pub today, the first in Gilbert, and a discussion of this will be on the agenda. Of course, the client will be the final ‘decision maker’ but I will be studying strategies to both make the place exciting, meet building codes, and be comfortable to talk to your friends, sitting next to you.