THE PLAN

980 madison avenue

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Curtains, rather than walls, divide the dressing room at the back of the space, allowing for adjustment of the spaces size to accommodate groups or single shoppers. Shopping online has been fruitful for Suite 1521 in terms of finding pieces to accent the space. A coffee table and light fixture were procured from First Dibs, while artwork in the proprietors office was found on 20x200, a website dedicated to affordable art prints.

Suite 1521, a newly formed, member-based luxury retail concept created by Lizzie Tisch and Kim Kassel, will open its showroom at RFR Realtys 980 Madison Avenue next month. The concept will allow patrons to privately view designers collectionsfor a $500 fee. The companys lease in Gallery 305, a 4,035-square-foot space, was the result of an extensive search throughout the Plaza district and the Upper East Side. After viewing space at the Fuller Building, which was deemed to have too much of a corporate feel, Ms. Tischs husband suggested viewing 980 Madison Avenue, where an unused gallery space fit the bill. If I could have built it myself, I couldnt have asked for anything more, Ms. Tisch told The Commercial Observer. Ms. Tisch and Ms. Kassel spoke to us last week about the space and how the gallery will be designed. 01
The showroom will be the centerpiece of the floor plan, and guests will be greeted at a reception area. The space will also feature a living room area, where patrons can sit and relax. It does have a feeling of intimacy, Ms. Tisch noted. We put a living room space in the middle, and around the exterior there will be custom-designed features.

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Stainless steel racks on the exterior walls will display each of the designers collections. Each designer will have two days for his or her event accompanied by an accessory designer. Ms. Kassel plans to paint the doors using vibrant colors. Were painting the doors bright, electric blue, she said. Were trying to find a blue that matches our blue.

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The floor and walls, painted black and white, respectively, were touched up but have otherwise been left as they were prior to Suite 1521s arrival.

980 MADISON
Gallery 305 4,035sf

Oliver Katcher okatcher@rfr.com 212 883 0526

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East 77 Street

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East 76 Street

Madison Avenue

East 77 Street

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East 77 Street

30|SEPTEMBER 3, 2013|COMMERCIAL OBSERVER

East 76 Street