Location: Ames, Iowa
Completion Date: August 01, 2013
Project Size: 4,300 sq. ft.
Abstract: +39 was conceived as a unique place to introduce authentic Italian culture, wine and food to the heartland of America. The building was designed to provide the patron with multiple opportunities to visually and gastronomically experience Italian culinary culture. The interior combines a sit-down restaurant, market and cantina that are distinct yet seamlessly tied together by a simple palette of materials.

The curved, main bar serves as a reception focal point, visually and physically directing one to the main dining room or market upon entry.The restaurant provides booth and table seating for traditional multi-course dining, while the market offers retail sales of hand-selected Italian retail goods and additional table seating. A stone wall is used to create a discovered space behind the main bar that provides an intimate lounge space, which, upon further inspection, reveals a glass entry to the wine room. This room is stocked with over 200 wine labels presented in a floor to ceiling display.