Belly Dance Maternity, New York NY

(collaborator: Steve Hoffman)

This maternity shop brand is known for its hip and stylish product line. The store in Manhattan’s West Village projects that image with an open floor layout, and a facade which reinterprets the local bay window storefront with contemporary materials and detailing.

Due to its non-traditional design, the proposal went through a lengthy approval process with the local community board and the Landmarks Preservation Commission. It is the only contemporary storefront that has received approval for visual compatibility with its historic context.

The storefront frame is straightforwardly fabricated of standard steel sections, welded on site. Inside, retail relief is provided by a built-in bench overlooking a rear garden.