Amano Restaurant by Cushing Terrell Fuses Rural and Modern Touches
Amano Restaurant in Caldwell, Idaho, was redesigned by Cushing Terrell in 2025 to blend traditional and modern Mexican influences within a historic setting. The renovation of this restaurant retained original structural elements, creating spaces that honor the building’s legacy while introducing features like private dining rooms and a vibrant bar area. The project incorporated materials such as wood, metal, and fibers, offering an elegant yet approachable atmosphere that celebrates culture and community.
Traditional and Modern Mexican Influences
Amano Restaurant in Caldwell, Idaho, has undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of design firm Cushing Terrell. The remodel focused on blending traditional and modern Mexican influences within a historic downtown building, creating a unique dining experience. Salvador and Becca Alamilla, the restaurant’s owners, sought to maintain a sense of belonging reminiscent of rural Mexican communities, driving the design decisions.
Set in a former bank building, the renovation is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community. Materials such as masonry, wood, metal, and fibers enrich the space, adding an elegant yet approachable atmosphere. Original structural elements have been exposed, and the bank’s alcoves have been repurposed as intimate dining areas, integrating the building’s past into its new identity.
Special Spaces and Launches
Amano’s layout includes specialty spaces like a mezcal and tequila tasting room, a patio for outdoor dining, and traditional barbacoa cooking pits. The bar stands out as the project’s focal point, with a countertop designed by Molding Mud that echoes the original bank’s terrazzo flooring, linking the past and present. This visual connection extends to the bathroom sink design as well.
The renovation journey uncovered a painting, preserved during construction, and revealed textured walls and exposed brick by remediating lead paint. I-beams from a 1950s addition were unveiled when ceiling tiles were removed, resulting in a dramatic, high-volume dining area, although the original coffered ceiling could not be saved.
Artful Integration of Historical Elements
Despite the significant changes, the restaurant’s footprint was not expanded, making efficient use of the existing space. Outdoor seating features a comal for tortillas, while a hallway inspired by Mexican architecture and subtle wall patterns provide a refined backdrop. A to-go window for portable food items is set to launch soon, adding to the dining options.
Cushing Terrell provided comprehensive services, including architecture, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering, alongside interior design support. This collaboration with the Alamillas not only transformed the building technically but also supported preserving and innovating elements, resulting in an elevated culinary and cultural experience for guests.
Amano Restaurant’s new space is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in celebrating culture, history, and community, offering a memorable experience for both locals and visitors.
Photography courtesy of Cushing Terrell
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