It was a particular challenge and inspiration to create a modern, 21st century building in this location, where many of the finest examples of the late 19th century cast iron buildings are concentrated.
Four existing buildings, some from the late 19th century, and some as early as the federal period were combined at the site to be used as a chocolate factory. After months of research and assistance from the New York City landmarks preservation commission, the decision was made for the adaptive re-use and restoration of as much of the existing structures as possible.
Two façades facing the Wooster street are restored to their circa 1940 condition based on the city records and historic research by the architects and their consultants.
The new building facing West Broadway is designed to be a modern, 21st century building with as much of the richness of the late 19th century cast iron buildings as possible. Large windows, fire escapes, typical repetitive monumentality of a Soho building, and increased ceiling heights as the buildings reach the ground to receive the most amount of daylight during the day, were used to set the proportions of the new façade.
Without the use of neo-classical details and actual fire escapes, the design relies on the use of brise-soleil, the texture of undulated and perforated steel components to create the required visual interest and depth in the façade.