This week, COOKFOX Architects appeared before the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission with proposals to alter previously approved designs for the new Giorgio Armani flagship boutique and residences. Located at 760 Madison Avenue on the corner of East 65th Street, the new development will rise 12 stories. The Armani boutique will occupy the lower levels of the structure with 19 residences positioned above. Alterations pertain exclusively to the exterior massing and materials of the building’s façade and were reportedly inspired by existing historic properties in the surrounding Upper East Side neighborhood.
“This special project is an opportunity to design a modern home for the next generation of Armani’s presence on Madison Avenue,” said Rick Cook, principal at COOKFOX. “Our approach is to reinterpret the design sensibility of a classic Madison Avenue building, like the Carlton House at 21 East 61st Street and 45 East 66th Street, to create a contemporary and iconic residence and retail building for both the Upper East Side Historic District and the Armani brand.”
Inspiration for facade alterations at 760 Madison Avenue – COOKFOX Architects
Updated illustration compares upper levels of 760 Madison Avenue to the Carlton House at 21 East 61st Street – COOKFOX Architects
Alterations to the façade from the top down would include a smoother bulkhead finish that will be comprised of Saintenoy limestone; enhanced masonry elements including new horizontal banding to help establish a visual transition from the base and middle of the building to the top portion of the street wall; horizontal banding at the lower levels to align with architectural details and setbacks of neighboring architecture; and more deeply recessed fluting in the concrete panels that will terminate with a gradient transition.
Previously approved rendering (left) and updated rendering (right) of 760 Madison Avenue – COOKFOX Architects
Previously approved rendering (left) and updated rendering (right) of 760 Madison Avenue – COOKFOX Architects
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Beautiful