Bendheim products played a role in the renovation of the elevator lobby at 200 Varick Street, an Art Deco building in Manhattan’s Hudson Square. The redesign, overseen by BR Design Associates, celebrates the building’s rich history and modern updates while showcasing Bendheim’s glass solutions.
About Varick Street
Originally constructed in 1927 and designed by architect Frank S. Parker, 200 Varick Street housed printing presses and later a graphic arts center. The building’s evolution is reflected in its recent renovation, which integrates elements of its past with a chic, modern aesthetic. The new elevator lobby design pays homage to the building’s historical roots with a sophisticated blend of black metal, terrazzo, wood tones and monochromatic finishes.
The renovation
The renovation, which covers 1,500 square feet, addresses both functionality and style, incorporating Bendheim’s TurnKey glass cladding system to enhance the space. The lobby now includes a backlit portal and translucent walls. The TurnKey system spans nearly 1,000 square feet and seamlessly transitions from the walls to the ceiling. The stairs and walkway are clad with glass and LED backlit panels. The translucent white glass evenly distributes light without a trace of shadow lines. GFC Ornamental Glass installed the Bendheim system.
“We tried to create that modernism, but it’s still a design that isn’t going to age,” says Michael Rait, founder and principal, BR Design. “We feel like we introduced a lot of elements there, like the illuminated brick, and then that illuminated portal is using light to create a dramatic design.”
The TurnKey system is a solution for opaque and backlit walls in which panels can be installed and later replaced quickly without damaging the wall behind. The clip-in system is forgiving and adjusts easily on-site. The system is fast, easy and inexpensive to install and maintain. It can be used with hundreds of in-stock safety-tempered and/or laminated glass varieties.
This innovative use of glass adds visual interest as it improves the space’s efficiency and flow, solving previous bottleneck issues and enhancing the visitor experience. The integration of Bendheim products into the redesign highlights how architectural glass can elevate and modernize spaces while honoring historical significance.
