Salvatore Ferragamo Worldwide Concept

As part of the introduction of the new Salvatore Ferragamo worldwide concept that debuted in 2001, Gabellini Sheppard was responsible for the restoration of several diverse structures, including an existing palazzo in Venice and an early 20th century brick and cast iron building in the historic Soho section of New York.

The Venice Boutique resides in the first two levels of a palazzo on the corner of Calle Large XXII and Campiello Barozzi. The ground level’s original Istria limestone exterior wall, cornice, and balconies were restored, and GS extended the limestone into the boutique’s interior at the arched window and door openings, enhancing the architectural character of the building's base. New window frames of nickel silver and subtle interior neon light coves elegantly define and accentuate the newly aggrandized openings. The remaining upper levels’ exterior plaster finish was patched and repainted the original soft sienna hue. The existing worn wood windows on the boutique’s second level were replaced with new walnut framed windows with details to match the original design. The construction of the new stair connecting the Women’s boutique on the ground level and the Men’s boutique above presented a major challenge­supported from a single stringer that rested on the ground level, the limestone and nickel silver clad steel stair structure required new steel and concrete pilings to shore up the existing foundation.

GS restored the existing brick and cast iron facade of the SOHO boutique in close collaboration with New York’s Landmark Commission. The facade materials, including the brick exterior wall, sandstone lintels and cast iron cornice and grillwork were carefully cleaned and returned to their original condition. New walnut framed windows and entrance doors were fabricated to match the original glazing details.