The Torch Club serves New York University faculty, administrators and alumni in a revitalized, historic, cast iron loft building in the heart of the Washington Square campus.
The historic building that is now home to NYU's Torch Club was built in the 1890s as Kopper's Chocolate Factory. In the 1990s, BBB transformed the building, then being used as NYU's recycling center, into a new club that would contribute to a sense of community for the University. The project included offices, classrooms, three private meeting rooms, a 70-seat dining room, a 75-seat bar and pub, and a state-of-the-art catering and exhibition kitchen with a copper surround. One of BBB's greatest design challenges was creating a space that was modern and functional, but also respectful of the original structure and its historic neighbors. The interior is inspired by the original building, featuring a cast iron and glass bridge in the lobby that is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century sidewalk vaults. The restoration of the iron and glass facade is also in keeping with its historic character.
Client
Location
Size
Completed
Construction Cost
People
Team
-
Gilsanz Murray SteficekStructural
-
ads ENGINEERSMechanical/Electrical/Plumbing