Wegmans- Astor Place
Retail | Food & Beverage
Rochester-based grocery chain, Wegmans Food Market, retained L&K Partners for pre-construction and construction management services in the build-out of its first Manhattan store located in New York’s Astor Place neighborhood.
The property, a landmark building and former famed Wanamaker department store, required structural modifications, vertical transportation, exterior modifications including storefront and signage, and multi-level interior fit-out. The 87,000 square foot store includes two levels of grocery, produce, and convenience items, as well as several made-to-order counters serving global cuisine, and an omakase-style restaurant and champagne bar.
The team navigated structural and logistical challenges of converting the former department store, skillfully adding additional MEP systems to support grocery and restaurant refrigeration needs, and detailed phasing to account for deliveries and security in the heavy traffic area. Specific MEP design components include a new rooftop generator, cooling tower, vacuum condensate, gas service, new sprinklers, and ANSUL fire suppression. In total, the grocery store has seven commercial grade kitchens, and sixteen separate refrigeration systems for food preparations and storage. Navigating ceiling height restraints, the team installed custom baffling and decorative cornices lining the first floor ceiling.
A restored façade, interior columns and other original building accents complement Wegmans’ signature brand elements including the iconic Wegmans clocktower, interior arched windows, and warm muted color scheme. The L&K team is pleased to have been a part of this important project and bring the Wegmans brand to Manhattan.