Working with historically designated buildings in New York City is always a challenge. This project converted a landmark bank building into a carpet showroom.

Since the interior and the exterior are designated New York landmarks, the design approach was to do as little as possible, treating the new use as temporary and reversible.

In designing the carpet display systems, detailing became the center of the project. A free-standing braced rack system was developed, removed from the perimeter walls, and separated from any part of the original building. A new stair and mezzanine were added, bearing on the floor, not the walls. New York landmarks

Thanks to the sensitive restoration work, creative design of details, and humble placement of retail elements, this space’s rich and lavish past is as alive as ever.