Fifth Avenue
2023
Redefining Fifth Avenue.
Working with George Schieferdecker at BKSK Architects, Winston Alford-Hamburg contributed to the transformation of 785 Fifth Avenue, a project aimed at updating the iconic façade while respecting its historic presence. A major part of the work was finding compromises and balance between the co-op board and the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), a body that oversees the protection of historic and architecturally significant buildings in New York City. The design focuses on modernizing the ground floor storefronts to create a more open, welcoming presence, while maintaining the building's historic integrity.
Renderings by Javier Galindo.
Harmonizing past and present.
The proposal includes an enlarged residential entryway that matches the scale of the adjacent storefronts, creating a cohesive visual presence along the street. The design introduces ribbed patterns at the spandrels, adding depth and texture to the façade, while the enlarged glass storefronts enhance the connection between the interior and the bustling Fifth Avenue streetscape. Balancing the co-op board’s needs with LPC’s preservation guidelines required thoughtful negotiation to ensure both modern updates and historical details were respected.
A contemporary take on timeless design.
The alterations at 785 Fifth Avenue strike a delicate balance between preserving the building’s historic charm and embracing the needs of modern retail and residential spaces. With precise attention to detail, including maintaining existing doors and integrating new materials seamlessly, the project ensures that Fifth Avenue’s architectural legacy continues while evolving to meet contemporary demands.
Javier Galindo’s rendering work was crucial in visually conveying this vision, capturing the essence of the redesign and helping bring the proposal to life.