Avanti Food and Beverage is widely recognized as the first modern-day food hall in Denver. Inspired by Madrid’s Market of San Miguel, the design team set out to create a neighborhood gathering spot at the threshold of Denver’s LoHi neighborhood.

The design em­ploys novel programmatic concepts. Five micro-kitchens are housed in repurposed shipping containers.  Vendors rotate in and out to allow the space to be dynamic and change over time. Many of the tenants started out in food trucks making Avanti F&B their first brick and mortar space. The idea is to showcase new culinary talent and give patrons a reason to return.

An adaptive reuse approach to the existing on-site building helps maintain the scale of the existing neighborhood while while also preserving some of its history. 

A small second level added to the ex­isting building includes equal square footage of interior and exterior space. Outdoor observation decks and bleacher-style seating provide additional space for dining and social interaction and also offer unobstructed views of downtown Denver. Additional convertible outdoor spaces at street level create a sense of connection to the neighborhood.  Authenticity of the existing build­ing is maintained by cleaning and restoring the original bones of the structure and adding to the building only in a respectful and restrained manner.

The interior space strives to emulate an outdoor streetscape. This concept allows the building to function as a casual environment and fa­cilitates social interaction. Two levels of restaurants and open circulation create an accessible feel.