Behind the Red Door

Elizabeth Arden opened the first Red Door Spa in 1910 on Fifth Avenue. Her vision revolutionized the beauty industry with an all-American brand that combined skincare technology with a relaxing spa experience. By the 30s, Arden had opened locations in most of the important fashion capitals around the world.

Today, the spas are operated by Red Door Spa Holdings. In a strategic move to expand its consumer base, Elizabeth Arden acquired a stake in Red Door Spa Holdings and re-launched, presenting both entities as one brand.

To revitalize its image, Elizabeth Arden introduced new product and got back to what it does best, skincare technology. It also contracted New York-based TPG Architecture to give it a new presence in the city.

A site in Union Square, formerly occupied by Rothman’s menswear store, was selected for the new Red Door concept. The site selection was perfect; Union Square is the bustling hub of downtown, and the landmark building was constructed at the time Arden’s company first expanded worldwide. 

According to Alec Zaballero, principal at TPG, “We wanted to create a welcoming environment. Having solid red doors at the entry would be a visual and psychological barrier for the customer. An early decision was to express the red doors in a different way, as scaled down enamel badges on the doors. We took the red door from a literal door to an iconic mark that symbolizes the brand.”

To create a spa that embraces the company’s legacy as an American brand, TPG celebrated the period details of the building, most notably the clerestory windows above the entry. In the 30s, few commercial builders installed awnings above windows or doors, so, unlike neighboring retailers on the square, TPG left Red Door’s clerestory windows unencumbered.

The retail section of the spa is strategically positioned front and forward. Upon entering the 2500-square-foot first floor, customers are immediately engaged with cosmetic, skincare and color product, seamlessly intermixed with service offerings. This provides two immediate results: customers recognize the space as a retail store, and related sales of product and services are promoted. 

Underfoot, a patterned cement encaustic flooring tile, inspired by the work of high-society interior designer Dorothy Draper, provides a functional, feminine feel. Additionally, a coffered ceiling treatment pays homage to the architecture of the 20s and 30s. Complete with moldings and cornices, the new ceiling appears to be part of the building’s original condition.

The cashwrap was repositioned away from the entrance, providing a more upscale and welcoming environment. A club-like hall table now greets customers entering the spa. The eponymous entryway door was strategically moved to the interior of the space where it covers an existing elevator shaft, and is visible from across Union Square Park.

The first floor service areas, including blow bars and nail stations, are designed to be fun. Textured faux leather chairs, glass tiles and etched mirrors provide a boutique hotel feel. A brand statement is made on the back wall with a dimensional wallcovering suggesting the pattern of the well-known Elizabeth Arden gold compact.

Descending black marble stairs with brass slip rods invite guests to the 7500-square-foot, full-service spa. Here, French doors evocative of a 30s hotel and terrazzo flooring house the spa’s modern services in a traditional envelop.

Like an urban retreat, the new Red Door appeals to the upwardly mobile working woman, who might wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple without losing her New York point of view.

PROJECT SUPPLIERS

Retailer
Elizabeth Arden, New York

Design and Architecture
TPG Architecture, New York

Lighting Design
Lighting Elysium, Pomona, N.Y.

Audio/Visual
Custom Media Environments, Hicksville, N.Y.

Fixtures
Array, Toronto

Flooring
Mosaic House, New York
Hellas Stone, Long Island City, N.Y.

Furniture
Chairmasters, Tarrytown, N.Y.

Lighting
Masiero Lighting, Forest Hills, N.Y.
Jonathan Adler Lighting, New York

Signage
Broadway National, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.

Wallcoverings and Materials
Carnegie, New York

General Contractor
Marlboro Group Intl., New York

Photography: Eric Laignel, New York