It's located on the most celebrated street in New York: Fifth Avenue at 56th Street, the focal point of contemporary and historical architectural at its best. So, when Georgio Armani, one of the wealthiest and most successful image-conscious fashion designers in the world wanted perfection for his new megastore, he opted for the work of skilled union workforce.
The newest of the Armani Empire features what may be the most unique staircase this side of heaven. The skillful, work on this lath and plaster structure was achieved in a short 3 months-on-time and within budget-by uniquely trained members of Local 46 Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Union.
In line with Armani standards, the structure is a centerpiece of ribbons of plaster and metal that connects like streamers to each level of the store.
Prefabricated in Italy, the staircase was shipped to New York in 75 sections ranging from 10 to 12 feet in length and unloaded by crane as barricades stopped traffic down 56th St.
Each section was rolled into the store on massive I-beams and hoisted into place with chain falls, said Bill Hohlfeld, coordinator of Local 46 Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Union. Under the direction of the General Contractor Americon, a composite team of Locals 40 and 580 Ironworkers bolted and welded the pieces together, seamlessly assembling the puzzle into a work of art. Nastassi and Associates sent in a team of welders, led by Local 46 Foreman Sean Jennings, to bridge the series of 2 ft. gaps left at the seams, building the area out to within one-inch of what would be the finished plaster surface.
Union craftsmen with J. Rosen Plastering added the finishing touches, and Wire Lather Foreman Jerry Griffin and his four-man crew then spent the next several weeks meticulously removing tubular stops attached for shipping.
Hohlfeld said the curvature of the bead work needed to be an exact match to the already difficult design of the stairs and rails. With substrate properly set, Rosens professional team of plasterers finished with flawless plastering. To the untrained eye, its smooth finish appears as plastic.
A structure of rolled calender steel clad in plaster underscores its incomparable sculptural presence. Its overlapping bands give motion to the space while providing functionality and style.
