Located within a historic street front in Alexandria’s main commercial artery, the building that houses Urbano 116 was built in 1885 by brothers Harry and John Aitechson to serve as a machine shop and warehouse, and has been used for various retail functions since.

 

The design revolves around the idea of community engagement.  The desire to further engage the public lead to the addition of the first operable storefront window on King Street, which has an integrated take-out window.  

 

The interior seats 160 patrons, and has a bar, main dining area, and a private dining area.  The materials, colors, and design themes were inspired by the food and culture of Mexico City’s virbrant dining scene; “lucha libre” masks, and rich textures and patterns are used throughout the space.  The exposed brick of the original building highlights its history, and a large-scale hand-painted mural of lucha libre pioneer Mil Máscaras, the “Man of 1,000 Masks,” adorns the back wall of the private dining area.  The restaurant also features all new energy efficient lighting, and sustainable materials.