Urth Caffe
Owner
Urth Old Towne Development, LLC
Architect
SF Jones Architects
General/Restoration Contractor
Spectra Company
Structural Engineer
Grimm & Chen Structural Engineering, Inc.
Mechanical and Plumbing Engineer
Zero and Associates
Electrical Engineer
OMG Electrical Engineers
The Old Towne District in Orange is California’s largest National Register District. Within it, visitors find numerous historic sites constructed as early as 1888. One of the oldest contributing historic buildings has now been restored and will be used as a site for Urth Caffe. The project team consisted of experienced preservation specialists, renowned designers, and ownership dedicated to restoring the building. The project proved to be an exciting one as many ornate, historic elements were unveiled. An original “Hemphill and Morse Real Estate mural was revealed as the team removed non-original plaster.
As both the General and Restoration Contractor, Spectra Company worked with the project team to structurally upgrade the building and adapt it into a full service restaurant and cafe. Spectra also performed several historic rehabilitation services, including restoration of existing wooden doors and windows, and fabrication of new openings that were missing. The entire storefront of the building had been modified through the years and Spectra restored it as close as possible to its early 1900’s existence. Other services include ornamental metal restoration, sign fabrication, roof replacement and office tenant improvements. This project celebrates the history of historic Orange and acknowledges the importance of its historic assets. Urth Caffe has successfully demonstrated the benefits of reusing existing architecture to create attractive and functional spaces. The result is a space that contributes to the historic integrity of the historic district-a place for the citizens of Orange to enjoy and admire the beautifully restored building.
Scope of Work
Adaptive Reuse • Architectural Woodwork • Brick • Conservation • Decorative Metal • Decorative Paintings & Murals • Design Build • Estimating & Value Engineering • Facade Rehabilitation • Fountains • General Contracting • Lighting & Chandeliers • Masonry • Materials Restoration • Preconstruction & Design • Preservation Consulting • Restoration Painting & Coatings • Selective Demolition/Abatement • Self-Perform • Structural Retrofit • Themed Construction • Tile • Waterproofing/Roofing • Wood Doors • Wood Windows
Awards
AIA Orange County 2021 • Preservation Design Award 2020
