Steuben Glass : New York : 1999

The original Steuben Glass Store on Fifth Avenue had established itself as a destination for all Fifth Avenue shoppers. It's strategic location at the corner of 56th and 5th, enhanced by the corner set back and plaza, presented a unique challenge for the renovation.

The glass curtain wall renovation proposed a new translucent facade along 5th Avenue with presentation vitrines focused on the product presentations. The new entrance complimented the window vitrines with a projecting shroud that established the new interior axis. Along 56th Street the new curtain wall is translucent with clear views into the store interior. The module of the interior walls projects through the curtain walls to create vitrine displays in the plaza.

Interior concepts included sliding and removable display walls and fixtures, video links, and presentations from the Corning Museum of Glass and Steuben Factory. The material concepts throughout reinforce the translucent/transparent juxtapositions. Utilizing the sliding wall displays, planning configurations were established for special events and presentations.

Staff offices and conference rooms for corporate clients were incorporated into the plan, while stock was accessed via the oval glass elevator enclosure. Unique in application, the elevator enclosure was composed of custom glass bricks manufactured by Steuben.

The project was a collaborative proposal in association with Lee Stout.