The Palazzo Pio, and its famous Renaissance facade, anchor one end of the Campo Dei Fiori in Rome’s historic center.  The building’s foundations date back 2000 years, to Pompey’s theater.  

In 1985, the University of Washington leased the building, under the direction of professor Astra Zarina, and began a multi year restoration project in conjunction with the Italian government.  It is now used by several universities for many of their academic programs. 

In 1986, having met Professor Zarina by chance in Rome, I began work as a contractor, assisting in the construction and restoration of the building.