Manhattan’s beloved Meatpacking district has long been home to some of the most creative and innovative retail spaces in New York. Today, this formerly industrial neighborhood is famed for its culinary options, breathtaking views, and now, the newest North American storefront of one of the world’s foremost watchmakers. Audemars Piguet, the luxury Swiss timepiece manufacturer, has 12 other retail locations across the globe. The newest location—recently completed by Archstone’s expert team in lower Manhattan—is an eye-catching sight for locals and travelers alike.
The doors open to an expansive interior space, welcoming curious shoppers with a blend of modern accouterments and classic architecture. The 5,100-square-foot space houses a decadent millwork bar, an ornate marble fireplace, and a museum display area—perfect for showing the sought-after timepieces that have made Audemars Piguet an esteemed luxury brand for nearly 150 years.
With this impressive entranceway and further decadence tucked inside, the AP House is more than a retail location. It’s an opulent VIP space where visitors can explore timepieces in an elegant and curated atmosphere. Visitors enter by appointment for conversations and presentations in the private entertainment spaces and suites. Equal parts comfort and sophistication, these spaces set the mood to fall in love with Audemars Piguet’s timeless watches.
After a consultation, guests can step outside to enjoy the 2,8000-square-foot terrace. Weather permitting, visitors can take in the stunning Manhattan sights and catch the scent of Pastis, the cherished French bistro right next door. With lush and vibrant landscaping, the second-floor terrace looks out toward high-end boutiques and premier restaurants while offering a whole new vision of NYC.
The AP House has already become a center of excitement, hosting a range of events with featured guests, including musicians, TV stars, entrepreneurs, actors, and influencers. The spacious building is perfectly equipped for a lively evening of drinks, music, and conversation.
There’s no limit to the possibilities for this remarkable space. From the circular heritage room—where the history of Audemars Piguet is honored—to the vibrant dining room—perfect for hosting—the brilliant atmosphere and sharp design features are unmatched and inimitable.
In a space this impressive, you’ll want to take all the time in the world.
Project Details
Perfection is the objective of every Archstone project, and never more so than when designing a luxury retail space for a highly acclaimed and specialized brand. Like the perfectly crafted gears of an elite watch, every aspect of this project needed to align to ensure precision and prestige.
Design, supply management, and physical construction were all orchestrated to provide seamless renovation on a tight schedule:
- Built within an occupied space – As New York’s premier construction and contracting company, we’re used to working within tight spaces. With nearby tenants, we were constantly working to mitigate any intrusions and create a logistical plan to avoid interrupting daily operations. We’re proud to report that the job went seamlessly, with minimal intrusions for tenants and smooth transitions between each phase of construction.
- Global material sourcing – The lavish materials needed to complete this one-of-a-kind project required worldwide sourcing. To execute this task during supply chain delays and shortages, we implemented detailed tracking, releasing, and scheduling to ensure materials arrived at the job site when needed. Managing the long lead times of the current construction market is a top priority for our team. By utilizing our expertise and experience, we managed deadlines, kept our client’s schedule, and retained the highest quality over every aspect of construction.
- Eye-catching features – One glance at the exposed brick walls, oak floors, baby grand piano, and stunning furniture, and you’ll see the exquisite details that bring the space together so beautifully. From the fully stocked bar to the dining room table, there’s a distinctive ambiance that emulates the unquestionably rare timepieces that have defined Audemars Piguet’s reputation.