A Historic Art Gallery Finds New Life as Uchiko Denver

The newly opened Uchiko Denver reimagines a former Cherry Creek art gallery into a warm, neighborhood-focused gathering place.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture shaped the project by responding directly to the intimate scale of the existing architecture. Originally the gallery of Ginny Williams, the space has transition from a private by-appointment-only environment into an open, inviting hospitality destination.

The design preserves the idiosyncrasies of the building’s earlier life, anchored by a central sushi bar positioned within the original volume. A luminous new sunroom, previously a service alley, acts as a glowing garden room that expands the restaurant’s functionality while allowing the central dining room and circulation spaces to take center stage.

Inspired by Colorado’s natural landscape

The design language merges the surrounding Colorado landscape with the signature Uchiko ethos. Rich, tactile elements define the interior, where rough-sawn walnut, Douglas fir, white oak, and yakisugi meet raked plaster and rough-hewn stone. These natural finishes are layered alongside brass, blackened steel, canvas, stamped leather, and native flagstone.

To maintain continuity with the building’s history, existing wood floors and slab were carefully refinished. A standout design moment is the walnut sushi bar, which is precisely scribed to a rough stone base, highlighting the project’s overarching emphasis on handwork.

Uchiko Denver is rooted in community

Collaboration and local artistry are central to the interior concept, as a way to keep the spirit of the original gallery alive. Custom fabrications elevate the environment, including seating banquettes by Housefish, a back bar and shroud crafted by Workshop, and textural leather-wrapped columns by Sarah Neubert.

The venue also houses local art—including paintings by Nicole Hyde, Olive Moya, and Matt Tripodi, alongside pieces by Katherine Ingui, Ai Sagawa Campbell, Lisa Tobaz, and Ansley West Rivers—sourced by Hai Hospitality.