This building along with its sister building Rafiki’s Coffee across the street, were designed as gateway buildings to The Village, a neighborhood shopping and retail district of Alum Rock Avenue.
The curved corner parapets were removed to make way for matching angled corner towers on both buildings. The towers, with their recessed arches and windows, make a bold contemporary entrance to the district, yet allude to traditional thick-walled California Spanish and Mexican architecture typical of the area. New tile bases, externally lighted signage, new windows, awnings and a bold color scheme make the building fronts look refreshed and inviting and compliment neighboring stores.
To reflect the archway and wrought iron gates created for Rafiki’s Coffee across the street, a new painted arch with a custom wrought iron trellis was designed for the Karate Studio.
Status: Built
