historic lobby renovation:

How Historic Details Can Transform Modern Commercial Spaces:

Lessons from Lafayette Street

In New York City, where architectural history meets constant reinvention, some of the most inspiring transformations begin with respect for what came before. At Re: Design Architects, we believe that modern design and historic integrity can coexist beautifully especially in spaces where people arrive, gather, and connect. Our recent renovation of the Lafayette Street Lobby for GFP Real Estate illustrates how reintroducing heritage elements can bring warmth, elegance, and narrative depth to a commercial environment.

A Building with History

Located at 436 Lafayette Street in NoHo, the six-story cast-iron building was designed in 1871 by architect Edward H. Kendall. Originally built as a carriage warehouse, it later became home to Alfred Benjamin & Co., a premier New York manufacturer of fine men’s clothing. The structure’s brick and cast-iron façade, Ionic-capped columns, and ornamental shields reflect the craftsmanship of late 19th-century industrial architecture. Even today, its historic hanging clock remains a beloved landmark in the neighborhood, which sits between NYU and The Public Theater and is surrounded by the creative energy of NoHo’s cafés, restaurants, and galleries.

When GFP Real Estate approached us, the lobby had not been touched in years. Its finishes were tired, the lighting levels low, and the space lacked the welcoming presence expected of such a distinguished building. Our challenge was to design an interior that matched the voice of the architecture outside. We were tasked with reviving its character while making it feel fresh and contemporary.

Designing with Heritage in Mind

We began by reintroducing a sense of architectural proportion. A custom barrel-vaulted ceiling arch immediately elevated the space, drawing the eye upward and adding rhythm and grandeur. Beneath it, we designed a hand-laid mosaic tile floor from Daltile that nods to traditional New York patterns while feeling bespoke and refined.

To ground the space, we installed black-stained white oak paneling below a soft Sherwin-Williams Calico wall finish, creating contrast and warmth. The palette pairs historical materiality with a modern sensibility.  It’s rich in tone, yet clean in composition.

Lighting became our connective thread. A modern chandelier from A-N-D provides a sculptural focal point reminiscent of traditional globe fixtures but rendered in a crisp, contemporary form. Together, these gestures transformed the lobby from dim and dated to inviting and memorable.

Balancing History and Modern Use

The success of this renovation lies in balance. We honored the building’s 19th-century craftsmanship while responding to the expectations of a 21st-century workplace. Every element from the curvature of the arch to the texture of the floor was designed to enhance the everyday experience of entering, waiting, or passing through.

Today, the 436 Lafayette Street Lobby serves as a renewed point of pride for tenants and visitors alike. Its material richness and light-filled atmosphere reflect both the architectural heritage of NoHo and the forward-looking spirit of New York City itself.

Explore this Historic Lobby Renovation

See more photos and details from the Lafayette Street Lobby Renovation for GFP Real Estate here.

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About Re: Design Architects

Re: Design Architects is a Brooklyn- and North Fork-based architecture and interior design firm specializing in luxury residential, institutional, and commercial projects across New York City. Known for combining creativity with technical precision, the firm delivers detail-rich design from permits to pillows—merging historic sensitivity with contemporary luxury.