Notes on historic preservation with modern amenities.

New York City's illustrious architecture is marked by iconic skyscrapers that reflect the cultural history of the city--from the Chrysler Building, to the Seagram Building, to the future site of the Freedom Tower. For owners of historic commercial buildings, the question remains: how to stay competitive with newer Class A competitors?

Oftentimes, the smaller footprints, smaller, slower elevators and lack of natural light typical of older skyscrapers present challenges when it comes to current commercial office demands.

Although tenants may be attracted to a historic address, they also desire a modern, convenient work environment and an attractive, impressionable building lobby.

GKV Architects has renovated several historic lobbies over the years, adding modern day technologies and conveniences while taking care to maintain the building's original splendor.

For example, the 7,000 sq. ft. lobby at 666 5th Avenue features the Isamu Noguchi "Landscape of the Cloud" sculpture. GKV Architects added twelve-foot tall wood panel walls with stainless steel trim to compliment Noguchi's sinuously cut railings in the ceiling.

The lighting design was re-engineered to draw attention to the sculptural fins and creates a dramatic effect by seamlessly flowing down to the water sculpture. In stark contrast to the warm wood panels, a blackened and stainless steel reception desk greets visitors, while a silver leaf ceiling above the reception desk plays off of Noguchi's original ethereal sculpture. All of this was added to encourage a first impression of modern design married with classic magnificence.

Additionally, electronic recognition turnstiles were integrated into the design to provide efficient, cutting-edge security without compromising the lobby's historic aesthetic elements.

When GKV Architects was asked to create a design that would add value to the famed Woolworth

Tower, we knew we had to reclaim the prestige and charm previously associated with one of downtown's most recognized buildings, while providing modern day conveniences and technology in order to generate substantial returns.

GKV's concept for the Woolworth renovation is to introduce the building's existing, separate tower as a very exclusive private office club.

While it will be adjacent to and reflective in tones and materials of the existing renowned Cass Gilbert Lobby, the exclusivity of the Woolworth Tower Club will be accentuated by a private Park Avenue entrance.

The smaller footprint of the Woolworth Tower, common among historic buildings, is actually advantageous to boutique size companies who typically would not have the space requirements to fill an entire floor of a larger modern building.

Thus, GKV Architects' design plan turned potential property detractions into strong selling points. The new lobby will enhance the exclusivity of the office club while providing a very functional and cost-effective, yet still remarkable, new entrance.

By adding updated technology and modern amenities to historic properties, building owners can, and are expected to, create unique profitable opportunities while keeping the building's original charm in tact.

GKV Architects' expertise in interior and corporate construction provides a foundation to develop, design and reposition existing notable commercial spaces.

Customization and service-oriented amenities are cost-effective, valuable features that will produce long-term benefits for this New York icon and its new tenants.

By RANDOLPH GERNER, AIA, PRINCIPAL GKV ARCHITECTS