Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Definitely a must see for the uniquness of this New York branch of Parisien Printemps

By admin

A Delayed Trip

to

The New Printemps Store

at

One Wall Steet

Judith Berdy

July 8, 2025

Issue # 1479

The 1 Wall Street Banking Room interior of the Irving Trust and Bank Company is best known as the Red Room for the glorious and electrifying abstract mosaic decoration, designed by Hildreth Meiere, which defines the space. Meiere, who was recognized by her colleagues at the AIA as a Master of Murals, undertook over 100 such projects throughout her life.

The mosaic design is meant to mimic the curved stone facades of 1 Wall Street, one of the earliest Art Deco skyscrapers in New York City. According to the Landmarks Preservation Commission press release “The room’s walls, ceiling, and columns sparkle with mosaic tile in warm colors that fade from red to orange across the ceiling, and gilded tiles create web-like designs that glitter on the red background and draw the eye up – an elaborate style that presents a dramatic departure from more typical classically-inspired stone banking halls of the era.”

The Red Room, completed in 1931, stands out as one of Meiere’s only abstract designs, and also as her first collaborative project with Ralph Walker. The two would next work together on the ATT Long Distance Building at 32 6th Avenue, which has been both an individual and interior landmark since 1991, though the designation report for that interior does not mention Meiere’s work. We are thrilled that Meiere’s contribution is being recognized here.

After Irving Trust moved out of the building the developer of the condominums in the building had the Red Room restored to it’s original state.  After being used as a sales salon for the condos the space was rented to Printemps as part of their store.

Diving Domain Tower Deux, Acro FPV (2025-07-08, Anqa, 4k50)

Upon entering the Broadway entrance is a petit cafe to enjoy refreshments before or after shopping.  On the Main Floor there is a selection of small gift items including home decor, shoes and handbags.  All the staff are welcoming and friendly

Even the ladies room was so unique that it was worth a photo.

Step up to the bar for  a quick glass of Champagne while shoping, conveniently locate next to the jewelry showcases.

There is a large selection of designer vintage items.  Was this Madonnas?

A passage of beauty products lead to an area for your makeover.

The Red Room is now the entrance from Wall Street. You may need a great Wall Street investment for some of these shoes on display.  The wonderful floor is new but all the room is the original. Being an interior landmark, nothing is attached to the walls.

I could not tempt Gloria to bring home some new heels!!

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Sometimes the best plans go awry.  Eager to see the new Printemps store last Thurday, I was heading across Broadway at Wall Street. Suddendly, I was face down on the pavement. I had tripped over the support for a lane divider. With a bleeding lip two wonderful women came to my aid. They called 911 and waited until the NYU Ambulance arrived. I had a cut lip bruised chin and sore shoulder. Luckily there was no damage to my new hip.  Patched up, Gloria Herman and I ventured back to see the landmark Red Room and the new Paris based Printemps department store yesterday.

CREDIT TO

JUDITH BERDY

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