PKSB Architects gave life to the new lobby interiors at 230 Fifth Avenue – a building that houses Home Furnishings and Architectural Products for GFP Real Estate.

The primary challenge was to renovate an active lobby space for a high rise building while the building was fully occupied maintaining safe protected egress for the building occupants during the renovation. This was accomplished by working closely with the General contractor and building management to phase the construction work. The lobby was a full city block in length and required discreet tenant driven specialties along its length. The lobby also accommodated a grade change from end to end of 18” in vertical rise which was meticulously hidden in the finishes to allow it to be perceived as a level thoroughfare.

Features include newly installed bronze metal finishes, onyx lit feature wall and security desk, new painted gold leaf like dome ceilings, venetian plaster walls and new marble stonework flooring.

The design also integrated the latest in building security systems, contemporary lighting, energy compliance, and elevator cab interiors and operational features. The elevators were renovated separately during the construction period that would not affect tenant accessibility. All the elevators were upgraded to the latest destination call system (DCS) optimizing elevator traffic by allowing passengers to input their destination floor before entering the elevator.