RH opens flagship retail experience in New York
RH has unveiled RH New York, its 90,000ft², six-level flagship retail experience and gallery in the historic Meatpacking District, featuring a rooftop restaurant by Brendan Sodikoff, a Barista Bar and wine terrace, an in-house interior design firm and full floors of RH Interiors, Modern and Outdoor products.
RH New York marks the latest project in Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman’s ongoing collaboration with design architect James Gillam of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger. Originally owned by John Jacob Astor in the late 19th century, the historic building has been reimagined with a modern steel and glass structure rising five floors through the preserved original brick façade, with cast-iron I-beams evoking the neighbourhood’s industrial past.
Situated at the intersection of Little West 12th Street, Ninth Avenue and Gansevoort Street, the gallery incorporates all of RH’s businesses, with entire floors dedicated to each of its brands. RH New York also debuts New York Night, a striking six-story art installation of hand-blown crystal lights by artist and designer Alison Berger.
“The Meatpacking District exhibits a spirit of innovation and irreverence, pointing New York City towards the future while respecting the integrity and authenticity of its past,” Friedman comments. “We were inspired by that spirit to create a retail experience worthy of such an iconic corner in what is arguably the most important city in the world.”
Visible up through the skylit central atrium are stacked cast-iron columns and a transparent elevator that lifts visitors up to a glass-encased rooftop restaurant and outdoor park. Set in a year-round, skylit garden, the venue will serve Sodikoff’s seasonal, ingredient-driven menu in a space layered with crystal chandeliers, Asiatic jasmine, banquette seating with Japanese boxwood hedging, and dozens of pleached London plane trees.
The project also marks the first time RH has imbedded an interior design firm within its retail experience. Located on the second floor, the RH Interior Design offices are joined by five private client presentation rooms with discreet VIP entrances.
“There have been select moments in my life and hospitality career that redefine my belief of what’s possible,” says Sodikoff. “New York City was built by people who had outlandish dreams and the determination to realise them. I’m grateful to be part of one of those dreams with the opening of RH New York.”
