An electrical fire forced Wapos mexican restaurant in North Boulder to shut down and rebuild. Its new front facade is a reproduction of Brunelleschi’s Santo Spirito, only smaller and in concrete block. Like the blank facade of the basilica, the block front will remain unfinished. It similarly has three openings—a central door into the restaurant and two doorways to outdoor waiting areas—surrounded by painted spots that mimic Santo Spirito’s circular window. 

Like its Renaissance ancestor, Wapos was the first communal building in a sparsely populated part of the city. Renovations include a monochromatic green interior, a play area, and expanded outdoor seating. Construction was completed in 2024.

Photos by James Florio.