Cartier nearing completion of landmark Fifth Ave. building.

Cartier, Inc. is nearing completion of the restoration of its landmark building at 653 Fifth Ave. Marking its presence in this location for almost 85 years, Cartier will present a boutique with a design that is truly unique.

Originally built by Robert W. Gibson for Morton F. Plant, the mansion was converted into a Cartier boutique in 1917. Jean-Michel Wilmotte in Paris and Butler Rogers Baskett in Manhattan, architects for this renovation, reconstructed or, where possible, restored many of the original architectural elements of the Renaissance-inspired palazzo.

A unique retail environment has been created throughout the ground and second floors of the landmark building by restoring the residential character and fine architectural details, while at the same time modernizing others. In addition, by incorporating retail space from the second floor, the square footage has been increased by 1,600 SF, or 77%. The new design of the interior will offer the customer a comfortable and open environment, as well as an easy path through a series of beautifully proportioned and detailed rooms.

The most significant change has occurred on 52nd Street, where the mansion's formal entrance was once located. Here, the entrance was re-instated under an ornately carved limestone balcony. Upon entering, customers will climb either side of an impressive double curved staircase and find themselves in the oval room. As they look up, they will have a dramatic view through an oblong opening to the second floor retail space. The oval room will offer jewelry items accented with diamonds and pearls, including designs from the newly launched Cartier de Lune collection, jeweled Panthere pieces, and a selection of jeweled watches. The oval room, previously the Plant entrance hall, has been decorated with hand painted wall finishes of faux Pillarguri stone, faux slate, and faux beige rift cut oak.

Cartier restored the grand proportions of the front room on the Fifth Ave. side, which was the Plant drawing room. The new double-height room is the result of the elimination of the mezzanine, installed at the room's south end after the initial conversion to retail space. The front room will offer Cartier's most popular and versatile designs, including the Trinity and Love jewelry collections, and classic Cartier watches, as well as a newly created corner featuring men's watches, jewelry, and other men's accessories.

Walking past the oval room toward Madison Ave., customers will enter the fine jewelry room, originally the Plant dining room. The fine jewelry room will offer magnificent statement pieces, including dramatic designs graced with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. This area reflects an intimate and slightly more private setting, featuring restored American oak paneling, mirrors above the carved picture rail, and beautifully carved plaster ceilings. The fine jewelry room leads to the newly created Cartier tradition area, the most intimate space in the boutique. Drawing from Cartier's rich heritage, this room will house a broad selection of vintage pieces, including jewelry, watches, and objects which exemplify Cartier's timeless artistry.

Continuing beyond the fine jewelry room is the newly created bridal area. An array of Cartier engagement rings, bands, and wedding day jewelry, as well as gifts and stationery will all be showcased here.