Old Carnegie Library conversion to retail space and coffee shop

5 years ago

We purchased an old Carnegie that we will be turning into a retail space and shopping destination and coffee shop. It was a residence. Looking at these pictures, we are struggling with layout and design to keep the integrity of the beautiful 1st floor that has the coffee space and shop area, plus a big bedroom we should convert to retail. How do you envision the beautiful layout with out taking away the charm in the retail space. Design and display ideas?????There is also a basement area that we will be holding classes and book signings, wine and beer small gathering events.

I HAVE NEVER done retail and was wondering about layout, flow, and EVEN the name of the business and all things---just wanted to have this beautiful building and make it a part of the community. Many of our area residents are German Russian and I want to keep with that integrity and honoring the historic part of the business. Our daughter is Russian, so pulling her heritage into the mix......Any retail design experts advice to think about as we push forward to make this an unique home decor and antique store.

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Comments (4)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
IMO this is a bigger dilemma than can be really dealt with here. You need a designer who works with commercial spaces to get the best from this space The only comment I have is the carpet has to go that in a coffee shop environment is a no go. You also need a really good business plan too. Waht are you planning on retailing? IMo a coffee shop with all sofas and easy chairs is a nice feel but even if I wanted to help I would need a lot more info as to exactly what you are planning . Have you actually got the permits to do this that is the first step.
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
"The Russian Tea Room" comes to mind. Interestingly. it is located in Carnegie Hall, so the tie-ins could be amazing. I found it curious that apparently you can have your palm read there. A recent infusion of $19M got it up and going again post Covid-19. Wish I were there to help you in person; sounds like a fun project! I think you need to research Russian architecture and typical colors; gray is not the way to go. Art is another way to inject a bit of Russian ambiance, as would be your service ware, and you definitely could add a collection of Russian samovars. If there are still a lot of Russian residents, I suggest you hold a tea for them and ask them to brainstorm with you. Some may even have items they would sell/donate to the cause of upholding the traditions.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=samovar+russian&atb=v181-1&iax=images&ia=images

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=russian+tea+room+nyc
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lorianneschott
Original Author
5 years ago
Oh my how great is this.... A push to not let this building go away.
lkloes
5 years ago
What a gorgeous space!