Bloomberg Second Measure

From Historic Restaurant to New Tech

In the heart of downtown San Mateo, a 1930s historical building stood with a storied past and a need for renewal. Once home to the Kingfish Restaurant, this unique structure awaited transformation into a modern office space. The restaurant's design had concealed much of the building's original charm, but the task at hand was to create a functional space that would reveal and celebrate its historical envelope, both inside and out, while bringing light into the shadowed basement.

Second Measure envisioned an open, collaborative environment. The main floor "hub" was designed to honor the full-height historic arched windows and preserve the interior brick walls, with the original roof and structure thoughtfully exposed. The refreshed natural materials, combined with clean lines and a neutral palette, brightened the space, even in the basement. A "less is more" approach flowed throughout the office, allowing natural light and the vibrant energy of downtown to infuse the workspace. The result was an ideal setting where employees could feel connected to the outside world.