Rizzoli Bookstore

 store / shop, historical layer / disappeared object

Former showroom for Sohmer & Company pianos which was designed c. 1919 by Randolph H. Almirot, repurposing the former mansion of William Jay Schieffelin. After manufacturing pianos in New York for 110 years, Sohmer & Co. closed the showroom in 1984. When Rizzoli first moved to the site in 1985, they brought in architect Hugh Hardy (now known as H3Hardy) to restore the one-time mansion. His design integrated four hand-crafted chandeliers, cherry woodwork, and the hand-carved marble doorframe which were repurposed from their old Fifth Avenue location.

Rizzoli New York began its publishing operation in 1974 and has since become a leader in the fields of art, architecture, interior design, photography, haute couture, and gastronomy. In 1990 the Universe imprint was added, marking Rizzoli’s entree into the pop-culture worlds of humor, fashion, beauty, sports, performing arts, and gay and alternative lifestyles. It also contributed a highly successful calendar program and published economical versions of Rizzoli books.

It was demolished in 2014 amidst public outcry.

daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-1920-sohmer-...
ny.curbed.com/2014/6/18/10086204/57th-streets-beautiful...
ny.racked.com/2014/4/8/7607635/a-lastminute-scramble-to...

Formerly 31 West 57th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues)
www.rizzoliusa.com/about-us/