DXA studio worked with the Tacombi restaurant group to renovate the exterior of this single-story masonry building, and obtain approvals from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Located in an extension of the Greenwich Village Historic District, this corner site is heavily trafficked and highly visible to passersby.

A series of non-original veneer and infill elements were stripped to reveal the building’s simple masonry shell. The barefaced brick is left in its found state revealing its imperfections: wide color variation, scratches, dents and staining. Folding steel and glass doors set into existing openings reflect the building’s industrial character and can be opened to the street during warm days. The doors are glazed with both hammered wire glass to provide privacy for diners seated within the restaurant, and clear glass to permit visibility to the street at standing eye level.

Custom steel framed, translucent light fixtures accentuate the building’s worn masonry texture. Painted signage and a linear light mark the entrance at the building’s chamfered corner. Two new low-profile skylights are non-visible from the street, and bring additional daylight and warmth into the space.