555 Madison

Client: Rodney Corporation

Our firm was tapped to design an amenity center at 555 Madison Avenue that was tailored to the building’s tenants. As many of the tenants are in the same three industries – fashion, financial services, and law – our client’s main goal, aside from budget constraints, was for the amenity to reflect these identities.

The concept of our design centers around the idea that tenants can foster a community within the building. Some of the fashion industry companies also have offices near to each other in Milan and are known to run into one another at local cafés. Our goal was for the amenity space to offer a similar environment, a place where people with common interests can gather.

There are three core spaces in the amenity program – a social hub / lounge upon entry, an adjacent library-style quiet space, and a private boardroom. The lounge features a bar equipped with a high-end espresso machine and pastries, offering a unique café experience during the day while still operating as a fully functional bar for evening and night events. A diverse range of seating types suit groups or individuals. The library-style space can be used for collaborative or quiet work, appealing to the creative, financial services, and law tenants. Since many floors in the building have a small footprint, the boardroom was an offering we highly encouraged so that tenants would have access to a meeting space without sacrificing square footage in their own workplaces.

Architecturally, the design celebrates craftsmanship, reflecting the ethos of the building’s fashion tenants. Custom millwork and layered accents pair with a mix of warm wood, rich metal, textured limewash, and an artisan painted ceiling to create a simple but thoughtful design. Curved corners and drapery work alongside soft furnishings to help make the space feel comfortable and inviting. We worked with a selection of small furniture fabricators to create custom pieces, furthering the hand-crafted story. The art was commissioned by a close friend of the client, adding another layer of community.

To further a sense of belonging and community amongst tenants, there is dedicated shelving in the amenity space where tenants can showcase their own publications. Works by notable fashion houses such as Bulgari and Fendi can be found while browsing.