Although the new Cerrutti flagship on Madison Avenue appears untouched, it was actually gutted out and restored, transforming it from an apartment building over a storefront to a 4000-square-foot, multi-level retail venue. General contractor Richter Ratner, Maspeth, N.Y., worked with architect MSM Architects, New York City, to implement the modern design concepts of Milan-based architect Citterio Dwan and Partners.
A 132-inch-wide glass window and steel-framed, wenge-wood doors mark the front of the store at ground level. Once inside, the double-height interior features white, skim-coated walls and lots of illumination. The flooring, a Bateic limestone, is treated every six weeks to keep it shining.
On every level, stainless-steel and wenge-wood fixtures continue the ultra-modern, clean design. And every detail–from furniture and mirrors to fitting rooms–adds to the sophisticated look. In fact, designers say the store looks impeccable from every angle; there is no visible “wrong side” to anything.
Design: MSM Architects P.C., New York City — Charles Mallea, principal; Tom McKay, principal; David Moore, project architect Citterio Dwan and Partners, Milan — Antonio Citterio, interior designer; Giovanni Miorri, project architect
General Contractor: Richter Ratner Contracting Corp., Maspeth, N.Y. — Ron Weiss, director of construction; Rich Poznanski, senior project manager; Dominick Maiello, field superintendent
Audio/Video: Scharf Weisberg, New York City
Carpet: Gold Star Flooring Inc., Clifton, N.J.
Ceiling: Island Acoustics LLC, Bronx, N.Y. Fixturing, Flooring, Furniture: B&B Italia, Milan; Island Acoustics LLC, Bronx, N.Y.
Graphics/Signage: Midtown Neon Sign Corp., New York City
Lighting: Modular, Pittsburgh Paint: Creative Finishes Ltd., New York City
Stone Work: Artisan Stoneworks Corp., Deer Park, N.Y. Storefront glass and metal: Precision Glass & Mirror, Maspeth, N.Y.