Project Description
Bottega Veneta recently opened its largest flagship store, occupying 24,000-square-feet of retail space, at 740 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. DRPILLA provided comprehensive structural design as well as geotechnical and monitoring services for the restoration and modification of three landmarked 19th century townhouses. Significant modifications to the once private residences included façade restoration, new storefronts, basement and sub-basement levels, and a new addition. The new flagship reflects the culture and heritage of the historic location.
CLIENT
Wildenstein & Company
ARCHITECT
Louis Vieira Lisboa Architects
LOCATION
New York, NY
SERVICES
Support of Excavation
Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Structural Monitoring
Building Envelope Restoration
COMPLETION
2018

Restoring and Preserving the Building’s Historic Exterior
We understand that the building enclosure is a complex system that requires a thorough understanding of how the components fit and work together under various conditions. DRPILLA provided design reviews and construction inspections and testing to evaluate and verify enclosure systems for moisture control, waterproofing and constructability. The façade restoration involved a condition assessment of the building’s exterior, followed by design of the necessary repairs to the existing limestone and brick masonry façade. The existing storefront and entrances were replaced with new glass entry walls.
Interior Modifications Enhance the Buildings Features
In contrast to the delicate preservation of the exterior, the buildings’ interiors, particularly at the lower levels, were entirely gutted. To accommodate the installation of two sub-levels below the existing building, the entire basement was excavated and DRPILLA designed a new foundation system comprising pile caps, grade beams and structural slab supported on nine-inch diameter steel and concrete mini piles. The entire interior floor and wall system was removed and replaced with steel frame and composite steel and concrete construction. The end result recreates a sense of grandeur within the long neglected landmarks.


Interior Modifications Enhance the Buildings Features
In contrast to the delicate preservation of the exterior, the buildings’ interiors, particularly at the lower levels, were entirely gutted. To accommodate the installation of two sub-levels below the existing building, the entire basement was excavated and DRPILLA designed a new foundation system comprising pile caps, grade beams and structural slab supported on nine-inch diameter steel and concrete mini piles. The entire interior floor and wall system was removed and replaced with steel frame and composite steel and concrete construction. The end result recreates a sense of grandeur within the long neglected landmarks.