#70 A Diamond That's No Longer
        in the Rough

Diamond W Western Wear
181 E. 2nd St.
Downtown Chico
530-891-1650

Winner of the prestigious Golden Rose Award for 2001, owner David Halimi took his time to get it right in designing and restoring this building, which is a work of artdone by local artisans. Inspired by the original copper molding of the storefront, discovered under many layers of paint, copper (purchased in raw form, then polished, hand-tooled, and lacquered to maintain shine and color) is used throughout to compliment the custom-cut/designed oak wood also used throughout the interior.

But thats just the beginning; you'll walk on a copper slate floor, mined in the mountains of India and laid in a diamond pattern. You'll admire the Galaxy granite store front and the fireplace hearth that has copper naturally inlaid in it, and you'll note the diamond-shaped railings and custom-dyed diamond pattern carpet.

There's much more to admire, including a copper inlaid stairway to the second floor and hand-made copper railings. And if you find yourself downtown with children, they are sure to enjoy Justins playhouse with its carnival mirrors in the first room, a playroom, and the very special exit tunnel with black lights.

No longer a diamond in the rough, this building is now the shining jewel of downtown Chico!