Punch Bowl Social San Diego

Punch Bowl Social San Diego is an adaptive re-use of a historical landmark building, the Coliseum Athletic Club, first built in 1926 and rebuilt in 1938 after a fire. This space, located in the East Village Maker’s Quarters, is a former boxing arena. Preserving the history and ensuring landmark designation—applied for in 2017—were at the core to OZ’s design. The new ‘eatertainment’ venue provided a catalyst to neighborhood redevelopment. The team embraced cues from the past; the exposed metal trusses span the new space, a bit of the old boxing ring is visible in the floor where the 360 Bar is now located, and the mezzanine has what appears to be offices overlooking it. Wall coverings and refurbished exposed brick give a nod to boxing terminology and the old arena bleachers and chairs have been repurposed as wall art and seating, and ring ropes have been integrated throughout the space.