717 Fifth Avenue Lobby Repositioning

The centerpiece of the existing lobby was the Joseph Albers’ mural Two Structural Constellations. The new lobby design restores the visual prominence of this important work by recreating original square marble-clad columns, adding contrasting grey, granite-clad walls, and relocating the reception desk. The new reception desk is anchored by a full-height green wall which divides the through-block lobby. A new sense of place is accentuated by a gold-leaf pop-up ceiling and lounge seating areas. An anchor tenant reception desk occupies the opposite side.

The former storefront with hefty stainless steel members is replaced with an energy-efficient and visually-transparent exterior enclosure. The exterior canopy is enlarged to announce the office entry when viewed from Fifth Avenue. New signage, mounted on granite sidewalls, reinforces the building identity. The vertical transportation system is modernized, along with new elevator cabs in matching finishes. The public space upgrades and added amenities add value through quality design for this asset and resulted in leasing success for the client.