ACRE PIZZA

At the site of the former Red’s Recovery Room (an infamous dive bar immortalized in a song by Tom Waits) Design Draw Build led the master planning and served as Architect and General Contractor for a full-scale redevelopment of the property and its adjacent structures. The project transformed a fire-damaged parcel into three revitalized commercial spaces, reactivating a once-blighted site into a vibrant neighborhood asset. The development included Acre Pizza, a locally and family-owned pizzeria, alongside two additional tenant spaces. Two of the three buildings were fully reconstructed, while the central structure was adaptively reused—preserving elements of its industrial character while upgrading performance and safety. Site-wide improvements included the addition of pergolas, 38 new parking spaces, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and upgraded curbs, gutters, and driveways to enhance circulation and accessibility. The retained structure underwent a comprehensive envelope and systems upgrade to meet current fire and life safety standards, energy codes, and ADA requirements. Balancing preservation with progress, the project maintains the spirit of the site’s industrial past while delivering a modern, code-compliant commercial environment that supports local businesses and community growth.