Engineering Tiffany & Co.'s Landmark Renovation

Transforming a store into a luxury experience

Since opening in 1940, the flagship store has been a destination for shoppers seeking a luxury retail experience. The major interior renovation included redesign of the retail spaces and Blue Box Café, arched window large-scale video installations, a new three-story glass event space on the roof, staircase and elevator refurbishment, new electronic storage system and custom art and display spaces. The transformation of what’s now known as The Landmark highlights the company’s storied history and continuing brand expansion.

WSP provided structural, MEP, fire protection engineering and pedestrian circulation planning services. The WSP team coordinated closely with the client, architect and New York Office of Building Codes to develop this first-of-its-kind retail facility.

An elevated experience

With a brand as renowned as Tiffany & Co., the aesthetic quality of the design was a top priority. The glittering design of the floors was equally matched by the museum-quality atmosphere of the artwork and a replica of Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s on display. The interior transformation of the spaces at The Landmark creates a holistic shopping experience, with jewelry, art, video and even a French restaurant.

Nothing brings together function and aesthetic like the stunning center staircase. From the ground floor to the seventh, the staircase is made of ceruse oak with transparent balustrades and infinity mirrors. The shape was inspired by Tiffany designer Elsa Peretti’s love of organic forms.

To improve the architectural aesthetic look of the building, the new design included the removal of the existing floors above the 8th story and building new 9th and 10th floors. Most of the 8th floor is now double-height museum and event place for Tiffany & Co. The 8th floor also provides an exterior terrace with planters, a new glass guard rail, an exterior bar and seating area.

Stories

10

Year Built

1940

Square footage

100,000

Location

New York, USA

Client

LVMH

Architect

Arcadis | Peter Marino Architects (PMA) | Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)

Project Status

Completed

Awards

ENR New York’s Best Renovation-Restoration Project 2023

Certifications

LEED Gold and WELL Platinum

Interior of Tiffany’s lobby and retail space.

New store, new solutions

Just as the iconic store was re-imagined, the WSP team sought to re-imagine engineering applications in innovative ways to successfully deliver the unique Tiffany & Co. experience for customers.

First, the client sought a queuing experience at the elevators that minimized crowding and allowed nearby retail displays to shine. To address that concern, WSP utilized urban planning traffic study patterns to depict crowd movement. Digital models compared the existing elevator placement and the new elevator area, which incorporated a vestibule for customer queuing. The study results supported the new design, ultimately delivering a comfortable and efficient place to wait for the elevator that doesn’t conflict with the stunning displays.

Next, an automated storage room was desired. Never specified before in a luxury retail space, the vertical lift system for storage required floor slabs to be cut and a robotic system installed, which called for innovative structural and MEP designs as well as close coordination with the client, architect and supplier. This automated system brings purchases to each floor instead of sending staff to a storage facility. Responsible for delicate and expensive product, the new lift shafts required specialized fire protection and security systems. Our team worked with Tiffany’s special security firm to provide the electrical needed to run the systems.

Design that shines

In coordination with architect PMA, WSP provided structural services for new upper volume space and balcony areas, which required tying into the historic building’s truss system. Structural work included supports for more than 40 custom art pieces and double-height video screen walls behind the existing windows, as well as a complex custom light fixture.

The first New York City building to offer air conditioning, the full MEP system upgrade posed a challenge. Further, the client wanted the systems to remain invisible to guests. Safe yet unobtrusive code-compliant designs were key to keeping the beauty of the space as the focus from every angle.

Thoughtful environmental design also underscored the restoration. To achieve LEED Gold and WELL Platinum certifications, the client invested in extensive carbon reduction measures, including rainwater harvesting, 100% LED lighting and procurement of 100% renewable electricity at the location.

Everything glitters at the Tiffany Landmark. Every aspect of the design contributes to the function and aesthetic of this renowned jeweler.

Tiffany’s Bronze Eroded Venus of Arles statue and retail area.

What makes the Landmark stand out

Retrofitting existing buildings

Invisible improvements so the interior shines.

Upgrading structure, systems and technology invisibly while adding dramatic new elements, like the Jewelry Box event space.

A place that people want to be

Bringing an iconic brand into the future.

The thoughtful interior renovation preserves a luxury brand experience in a redefined space with comfort in mind, including stress-free queuing and an environment set to 72 degrees.

Healthy spaces

Environmental considerations and certifications.

Carbon reduction measures such as elevated chilled water temperature coupled with high efficiency chillers helped achieve LEED Gold and WELL Platinum designations during the renovation.