Project: Amano Restaurant
Architecture: Cushing Terrell
Team: Nicole Dovel-Moore, Kelyn Allen, Grace Johnson
Contractor: Kreizenbeck Constructors
Location: Caldwell, Idaho, United States
Year: 2025
Photo Credits: Travis Estvold, Cushing Terrell
In the vibrant heart of Caldwell, Idaho, Amano Restaurant has redefined the local dining scene by blending traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary design and craft cocktails. Owners Salvador and Becca Alamilla wanted a space that honored heritage while offering a modern experience. To achieve this, they collaborated with Cushing Terrell, their longtime architectural and engineering partner, to transform a historic 1928 sandstone building into a lively and welcoming restaurant.
Honoring Heritage Through Design
The Alamillas envisioned a dining experience that combined the warmth of rural Mexican communities with the sophistication of modern architecture. The design team responded with a material palette of masonry, wood, metal, and natural fibers. These elements not only highlight craftsmanship but also create an environment that feels both elegant and approachable.
Original features of the former bank were carefully preserved, weaving history into the restaurant’s character. Alcoves were transformed into intimate private dining rooms, while exposed structural elements tell the story of the building’s past. Even a historic wall painting discovered during construction was retained, becoming part of the restaurant’s layered narrative.
A Variety of Dining Experiences
Amano Restaurant offers a diverse range of spaces to suit different occasions. Guests can enjoy mezcal and tequila tastings in a dedicated room, gather outdoors on the lively patio, or savor traditional flavors prepared in authentic barbacoa cooking pits. The main dining area, with its soaring ceiling and vibrant energy, accommodates larger groups, while private alcoves provide intimacy.
The bar serves as a central feature, showcasing custom cocktails made with specialty ingredients. Its terrazzo-inspired countertop, designed by Molding Mud, echoes the original flooring of the bank, creating a direct connection between past and present. This design motif continues into the bathrooms, where sinks reference the same material language.
Blending Past and Present
During renovation, the team uncovered architectural gems, including textured brick walls, steel I-beams from a 1950s addition, and a painting hidden under layers of construction. Instead of covering these discoveries, the designers incorporated them, allowing the building’s history to remain visible. To balance the dramatic scale of the open ceiling, thick walls, lush greenery, and an eight-foot soffit line around the bar and entrance create a more intimate atmosphere.
Outdoor seating further extends the experience, with a comal for making tortillas and design gestures inspired by traditional Mexican courtyards. A to-go window, soon to open, will allow visitors to enjoy burritos and other specialties on the go, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a community hub.
A Collaborative Vision
Cushing Terrell provided a full spectrum of services, from architecture and interior design to civil, structural, and mechanical engineering. Their integrated approach ensured that every detail supported the Alamillas’ vision: a space that reflects Mexican culture while meeting the practical needs of a modern restaurant. This collaboration produced a destination that celebrates tradition, embraces community, and elevates the dining experience.
A Cultural Landmark for Caldwell
At its core, Amano Restaurant is more than just a place to eat. It is a cultural landmark where food, history, and design converge. By honoring the building’s legacy while introducing contemporary elements, the project embodies the spirit of thoughtful preservation and innovation. For both locals and visitors, it offers an authentic and memorable experience that celebrates the richness of Mexican culture in the heart of Idaho.
