Rockefeller Center 5th Avenue Facade
New York, New York

In response to a request by Tishman Speyer Properties, Gabellini Sheppard Associates proposed a renovation of the Rockefeller Center 5th Avenue facades to enhance their retail character. The challenge was to balance the conflicting criteria of greater store visibility with respect to the existing landmarked buildings. The scale, vertical and frontal organization, hierarchy and materials of the 5th Avenue buildings and the Rockefeller complex as a whole had to be carefully considered. Despite the preference of possible retailers for more glass area, Gabellini Sheppard proposed a modest alteration; maintaining the existing storefront width and raising it only the height of one stone wall panel. This addressed the two primary concerns­keeping the sense of human scale intact while maintaining the building’s solidity as a base for the complex as a whole. Retaining or replicating the original storefront details reinforced this sensibility. By relocating the existing 5th Avenue retail entrance doors to the building lobby, views into the store interiors are enhanced and window display area was increased. Gabellini Sheppard’s sensitive response to the requirements of both the client and the existing Architecture received commendation from the New York Landmark Commission.