Denver-based architecture firm OZ Architecture has completed the transformation of San Diego’s historic Coliseum Athletic Club into the Punch Bowl Social San Diego. Spread across 23,500 square feet, the latest Punch Bowl outpost embraces the roots of the former boxing haven with repurposed materials from nearly a century ago.
Original bleacher seating was reimagined onsite as an eye-catching, geometric wall design. Seatbacks and cushions have been restored to accent the new bocce ball area, while gym mats are salvaged and upcycled as ceiling accents above dart boards. Wall murals depict imagery of feathers and barbells in reference to boxing weight classes, and other murals portray a rakish rodent—a nod to San Diego boxer Archie “Old Mongoose” Moore.
Signature Punch Bowl Social elements are highlighted in the design, with skylights illuminating spaces like the 360-degree bar installed where the boxing ring once stood. Bowling lanes have been outfitted on the ground floor and mezzanine along with restrooms, an office, and a private karaoke room—all of which are designed to resemble the 1920s-era offices from which agents and managers would overlook boxing matches.
