Pirilo VSJ | 2024

After 13 years of success, Pirilo Pizza Rústica in Old San Juan was due for a facelift. Just as renovations were set to begin—taking advantage of the pandemic slowdown —the neighboring tenant vacated their two-story space. The timing was perfect, allowing for a full-scale expansion and transformation.
What was once a narrow, low-ceilinged space became a grand restaurant with soaring 16-foot ceilings. The renovation uncovered stunning 1892 steel columns, Auzubo wood beams, and exposed red brick, reviving the building’s historic charm. It was a challenge to execute, given post-pandemic labor shortages and the complexities of restoring an old structure, but the result was worth it.
To maximize space and cater to both locals and tourists, Space Design proposed a U-shaped bar, making it the restaurant’s centerpiece—perfect for guests who love dining at the bar. However, the uneven flooring posed a challenge, leading to the custom design of fixed swivel stools for comfort and functionality.
The walls were painted in an antique wash finish, carefully chosen to complement the brick and enhance the restaurant’s warmth. The décor continued the Pirilo story, filled with nostalgic touches like vintage photos, love letters, and memorabilia, preserving its original essence despite the dramatic expansion. In every corner tells a story connected to Pirilo’s fictional history.
Antique mirrors, wall lamps, and framed keepsakes added to the cozy, timeless ambiance, while custom-built benches seamlessly fit the space, maintaining the restaurant’s unique character.
Space Design collaborated closely with the client to enhance and refresh the façade, redesigning the 15 doors and carefully selecting a new color palette. Every exterior detail was thoughtfully selected to preserve and elevate the charm of this stunning colonial gem in Old San Juan incorporating the new entrance of Pirilo Restaurant Pirilo Old San Juan was Space Design’s final project in Puerto Rico, bringing the journey full circle, as it was also the very first project in an 18-year collaboration with the client.