Project Description:
KNEAD Hospitality + Design in collaboration with //3877 transformed a 1900s-era building into Mi Vida’s newest location on 14th Street in Washington D.C.'s bustling Logan Circle neighborhood. The most recent restaurant remodel of many successful collaborations between the two firms, Mi Vida brings a modern perspective on Mexican dining with a design that celebrates the vibrant heritage of Mexican culture.

Previously a Matchbox Restaurant, this location stirs a sense of nostalgia for the //3877 team as it was the firm’s first-ever restaurant as a company over a decade ago. The history of the space doesn’t stop there––originally built in 1907, the property has a storied past as a bowling and billiards destination, live music venue and a jazz club. Steeped in history and character, Mi Vida immerses guests in the livelihood of 14th Street, with dynamic interior seating arrangements and an exterior enclosure addition to the original property’s patio. The 1,000-square-foot exterior boasts a seasonal dining area with heaters for cooler months and fans for the warmer ones. 

The two-story + mezzanine restaurant draws the attention of passersby with a vivid painting using eclectic colors, shapes and patterns that cover the entirety of the front exterior facade––the painting is accentuated by visually intriguing historic architecture with custom Mexican mahogany double doors at the entrance flanked by Mi Vida’s signature pink trim. Inside, the multi-story space provides a “see and be seen” experience for guests, providing new discoveries at every turn. Dynamic views throughout make every seat a desirable location for any gathering, celebration, or night on the town.

The interiors nod to signature design elements found in Mi Vida’s location at The Wharf including: dramatic, bright pink fin suspended panels that line the ceiling of the entryway, a custom-wood and concrete host stand, slate tile floors, and the Mi Vida signature black and white patterned tile that grounds the space in a classic, yet modern aesthetic. Rose gold metal screens, a component sprinkled throughout the restaurant, add a lustrous touch of elegance. The ground floor entry area provides patrons with a unique cave-like moment while the bar and dining areas invite guests deeper into the zestful, multi-level space. 

The bar features a steel and wood back bar with a rose gold and pink ombré custom wallcovering, and a striking, textured black concrete top with decorative edge to complement the black and white tile bar front. Across the bar in the dining area, a hand-painted palm leaf mural on the ceiling catches natural light during the day and moody shadows at night. Banquette seating in the dining area is utilized to allow for large and small parties. Dining areas are organized into intimate nooks and can be used for a la carte dining, or rented out for birthdays and other special, more intimate events. 

Towards the back of the restaurant, a striking “Tree of Life” installation plays with the two-story component of the space––a signature element of Mi Vida.  The artisan-crafted tree creates a beautiful, eye-catching focal point within the restaurant. The elegant, refinished staircase leads to the second floor, a space that embraces both Mi Vida’s signature contemporary aesthetic and the building’s pre-existing architecture. The two firms worked in tandem to restore the existing architecture of the second floor, maintaining the classic and historic touch of the building while enhancing the overall immersive Mi Vida experience.

The second floor provides additional seating with views of the first floor and a small intimate bar. Above the bar, a unique wooden dowel canopy creates a light and textured juxtaposition against the brick wall. Adding to the second floor’s design scheme and exclusive vibe, dining tables, banquette and booth-style seating line the perimeter and two skyboxes overlook the first-floor bar. Additionally, a hand-painted mural featuring a lively collection of Mexican iconography provides a visual variety of colors and patterns alongside the texture of the historic brick. Towards the rear of the second floor, the mezzanine Hacienda room serves as a private event space, featuring clusters of star pendants, hand-troweled plaster walls and decorative railings.  

KNEAD Hospitality + Design and //3877’s approach for Mi Vida’s second location powerfully captures the vibrancy of Mexican cuisine through design and aligns with acclaimed Chef Roberto Santibañez’s vision for the next step in his decades-long culinary journey.