UPPER EAST SIDE — Preliminary designs of the new Michaels store slated to open in the historic Queensboro Bridge market space show aisles of crafting supplies under its iconic tiled ceiling and bright red coloring along its arched windows.
Renderings released by Atlanta-based architecture firm GreenbergFarrow show quite a few changes to the landmarked space — designed by famed New York architect Rafael Gustavino in 1908 — including a new vestibule at the 59th Street entrance, a new set of stairs to replace an existing escalator and new light fixtures.
The changes were presented to the Landmarks Preservation Committee on Tuesday to get the agency's blessing to start work at the site.
Commissioners during the hearing asked the GreenbergFarrow to reconsider changes to light fixtures, saying the ones they're proposing are too heavy and would require workers to remove and re-set portions of the ceiling's terra cotta, which supports the roof arches and could be damaged in the process, according to LPC spokeswoman Damaris Olivo.
They also asked that the architects remove red paneling proposed for the lower opaque windows adjacent to the store's entrances — a suggestion that Community Board 8's landmarks committee mentioned during a Jan. 17 meeting concerning the subject.
The Commission made no vote on the designs, instead asking the architects to return with modified plans, Olivo said.
Originally built in 1908, the vaulted market space was created in leftover space under the Queensboro Bridge, which had wrapped up construction that year.
A Food Emporium occupied the space for 16 years until the company went bankrupt and closed on Nov. 21, 2015.
Here's a look at what to expect once the Michaels opens:
The Michaels red logo will greet customers as they approach the bridge
Architects proposed opaque, red paneling on the lower half of windows next to the entrance, but LPC officials asked them to reconsider.
Registers will be set in front of a large red Michaels banner
Customers will also be able to shop on the Mezzanine
The new store will feature a mezzanine level, offering a better view of the space's historic, vaulted ceiling.
Another view of the store facing the arched windows
Construction of the store will take roughly three to six months to complete, according to the city's Economic Development Corporation.
Small but noticeable changes are coming to the space
Plans show changes to the space including new entrance vestibules, a new staircase in place of an existing escalator, new light fixtures, and red Michaels logos across the store.