Gertler & Wente to complete lobby renovation at 850 Third Avenue

The existing lobby and entrance at 850 Third Ave. are getting a makeover with a design by Gertler & Wente Architects, one of several projects with Gertler & Wente planned or underway in buildings owned by Shorenstein Properties. "We thought a radical change from the existing Emery Roth lobby, with its internationalist, modern aesthetic, would contrast too much with the building's 1960s-era style," said Jeff Gertler, a partner in the firm. "Our aim was to upgrade the lobby and add a sleek, modern canopy, aimed at distinguishing the building from its neighbors and creating a clean, welcoming entryway." To accomplish this, Gertler's design calls for placing a row of thirty-seven closely spaced, slender 13-foot high white recycled glass-clad columns, which are front and back-lit and create a silhouette backdrop behind a new, free-form, monolithic white terrazzo concierge desk. In addition, a new mullion-free glass entry will allow an unobstructed view from the street of the desk and columns beyond. To save energy and bring a sense of vitality to the lobby, lights behind the column will be on a preset dimming system.