The Rialto Cafe, a landmark in downtown Greensburg, PA since 1933 (building built in 1796) found itself in desperate need of expansion, yet the current building did not lend itself to any additions. The owner decided to forgo two tenant spaces in his building next door that sits adjacent to the cafe’s outdoor courtyard in order to make the best use of his real estate. His decision to expand his space into his neighboring building lent a new concept in expansion. The new space would be connected via the courtyard where patrons can move between the two bar/restaurant spaces by moving through the courtyard. This new space recalls the attitude of the existing Rialto, yet forges a new image, one geared towards the younger generation it is focused on attracting. Its architecture fits both with its budget and target audience. This space is designed with simple off-the-shelf industrial parts. Plywood panels, black steel pipe railings, bold colors and corrugated metal begin to define a new Rialto, one for the future generations.
This is the Rialto too (2).