RH Studio Meatpacking District (New York City, New York)

 store / shop, commercial building

5-story building originally completed in 1861 as a 4-story tenement. It was altered to a 1-story fruit market building with a metal canopy in 1933, to a design by Martin Smith, who also built the adjoining market building at 15 Little West Street. This building was altered again in 1969 for Forsythe Meats, Inc., at which time the second story was constructed. Then a new 3-story addition on top was completed in 2016.

Designed by Backen, Gillam & Kroeger, the new addition is a modern structure rising through the meticulously preserved original brick façade, with cast-iron I-beams evoking the neighborhood’s industrial past, with a black aluminum-and-glass screen wall. Each frame is composed of two aluminum cross braces which are fitted to a set of turnbuckles, allowing for the adjustment of tension across the screen wall. T-frames studded with bolts are the primary vertical and horizontal elements of the screen wall. These can be split into two categories: structural members that run the length of the elevation and drive into the building below, and beams supporting the overall rigidity of the frame. This entire system is connected to an array of vertical mullions through existing steel brackets and a new screen wall connector. It was built for Restoration Hardware's landmark store, a company that specializes in modern indoor and outdoor design. Retail showrooms are combined with a five-level atrium, multiple terraces, a café, and a rooftop restaurant.

Formerly the location of Pastis restaurant, a new rooftop garden restaurant was also designed by Backen, Gillam & Kroeger. Restoration Hardware signed a $250mil, 15 year lease in early 2018 for the space.

www.archpaper.com/2018/10/restoration-hardware-meatpack...
newyorkyimby.com/2018/01/facade-modification-proposed-f...