Gertler & Wente completes lobby and entrance renovation

The architectural firm Gertler & Wente Architects has given a new identity to 125 Park Ave., the 25-story office building also known as The Pershing Square Building. "We've enhanced its original look and created an innovative transition from the building's entrance to the elevators, through the 4,000 s/f lobby," said Jeff Gertler, principal of Gertler & Wente. "This beautiful building is an icon of design, but its identity had become lost amid the chaos of 42nd St. and Grand Central Terminal. It needed new elements to reinvigorate its distinction. That was our mandate." The tower, owned by Shorenstein Properties, was designed by York & Sawyer in 1923. At the entrance, Gertler & Wente began by widening the lobby entrance by one column bay and then recessing the lobby eight feet from the building face. A new arched glass canopy lit by concealed LED fixtures complements the viaduct between Park Ave. and Grand Central Terminal. The renovations included: a Pilkington glass wall entrance, Anigre wood paneling, and a new arched ceiling. A backlit white onyx reception desk sits prominently in front. A new, dark grey stone floor was installed, complementing the original limestone walls, of which Gertler & Wente preserved most of, and custom recessed bronze light fixtures. The crowning design element, an illuminated 150 s/f Benheim Glass wall, is situated at the very end of the lobby.