UPPER WEST SIDE — Kate Spade is planning a new, bow-inspired storefront design for an Upper West Side location the retailer is opening this fall.
The new, 1,000-square foot store between West 69th and West 70th streets will replace the longtime Irish pub the Emerald Inn, a change some neighbors bemoaned.
The unique design, which was proposed in a Thursday night meeting, was generally well received by the community.
Reps said the store's doorway would have a slight indentation, rather than being flush with the walls, creating an inward pointing V-shaped look.
The store design is new for Kate Spade, and has only been tested in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Easton, Ohio, the company said.
"The general rule of thumb is don't test [designs] in New York City," said Philip Rosenzweig of the company's design group.
Still, the company, pending approval, plans to roll out the design when the store opens.
The indentation would stand out from surrounding stores, Rosenzweig conceded, but the company's goal is to blend in with the rest of the area.
"One of the things we try to do in every location is to be part of the neighborhood and try not to contradict it," he said.
The look is "a nod to an older style storefront rather than a more modern storefront," Rosenzweig said.
An "arctic blue" paint finish will brighten the steel frame of the storefront's windows, Rosenzweig said, and a black awning adorned by the company's signature spade symbol will announce its presence. Below the awning will hang a simple "understated" sign with no lighting, he said.
Even though one board member called the design "corporate" and out of character with the neighborhood, board chair Gabrielle Palitz said she found it "appropriate."
The board's preservation committee gave its full approval. The design will next go before the Landmarks Preservation Commission for review.
