Award-winning architects Shepley Bulfinch have partnered again with Upward Projects to create Postino East, a neighborhood dining spot in the heart of downtown Gilbert. The 2,700 square foot renovation in the southern end of the former Grainbelt Building is the third locale for Postino WineCafe and the second collaboration between Shepley Bulfinch and Upward Projects.
Shepley Bulfinch principal Joseph Herzog, the project’s lead architect, commented, “It means a lot to us to be involved with projects like this. They help breathe life back into communities and neighborhoods and give people new ways to experience a part of the town’s history that has been long overlooked.”
“Shepley Bulfinch understands our commitment to adaptive reuse projects, and together we have resurrected historically relevant buildings with a modern twist,” said Upward Projects partner Lauren Bailey.
The design juxtaposes the building’s original yellow painted structural steel beams and exposed CMU walls and concrete floors with wood trusses, warm colors, and carefully selected vintage furniture, décor, and tile. Mixing industrial features with warm colors and custom wood furniture defines a contemporary space with an inviting atmosphere. The versatile layout includes a wrap-around patio, and green space for larger events. The design blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The signature interior-exterior bar draws guests through a 16’ garage door to the patio, where diners have a view of Gilbert’s iconic water tower.
Postino East opened with a March 17 benefit that supported their community partners, Gilbert Public Schools. Upward Projects and Shepley Bulfinch have since announced their latest restaurant design venture: the adaptive reuse of an iconic mid-century Phoenix bank building designed by Alfred Newman Beadle.
About Shepley Bulfinch:
Shepley Bulfinch (www.shepleybulfinch.com) provides architecture, planning, and interior design services from its offices in Boston, Phoenix, and San Francisco. In addition to Windsor & Churn and Postino East, the firm’s hospitality projects in Phoenix include the Roosevelt and Giant Coffee. Shepley Bulfinch is consistently ranked in the top 100 design firms in the US by Architectural Record, and among the country’s top 100 Green Design Firms.
About Upward Projects
Upward Projects creates inspired restaurants connected to the communities they serve. Beginning 11 years ago with Postino Arcadia, owners Craig and Kris DeMarco and Lauren and Wyatt Bailey built a foundation on historically relevant buildings integral to the neighborhoods that surround. Today, Upward Projects continues this tradition with three Postino locations (Postino Arcadia, Postino Central and Postino East) and Windsor & Churn.
