Top 5: NYC’s Most Famous Architectural Awnings

NYC is replete with architectural awnings . They come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Let’s look at five top examples and see what makes them special.

Macy’s

Decades ago, the store hosted a conflagration of retractable awnings plus an extended canopy at the entrance. They were good for shade when it was needed, but rather messy looking and they didn’t do much to enhance the building’s architecture. Over the years, Macy’s awnings have gone through several incarnations, and by the end of 2015 the store will sport its newest look.

In the words of Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s, Inc. chairman, president and chief executive officer, “Herald Square is a national and international symbol of the Macy’s brand. While we will be creating a modern, customer-centric shopping experience for customers at Herald Square, we also will be careful to preserve and restore the historical integrity of this landmark building. Blending Macy’s architectural legacy with advanced technology and contemporary design is what makes this project so special.”

Lord & Taylor

While Macy’s Herald Square may claim to be the largest store in America, Lord & Taylor is not. It’s a big name with a smaller footprint. The uniform stripes of the store’s awnings – in white and L&T’s signature gray — mirror the squared metalwork on the façade as well as the tall upper story windows. Using separate awnings for the doorway and each window augments that vertical look.

Broadway

NYC’s famous theater district rivals Times Square for sheer visual cacophony, with brilliantly lit mile-high signs promoting the shows. Is it eye candy, or is it eye-crossing? And how are the non-theater businesses at street level supposed to compete with all that? With their own unique awnings, of course. Sbarro makes superb use of their coveted corner space, with awnings that are very simple yet can’t-miss effective. Need a slice of pizza before or after the show? No question where to go.

And despite all those huge lighted signs, the theatres themselves have to be found, and they have to welcome large numbers of people at once. Notice how they address both needs with street-level awnings that double as a marquee? The awnings project far enough to be seen from up and down the street, and they provide good coverage for crowds when weather is less than stellar. You don’t have to manage a famous theatre on a famous avenue to achieve the same kind of effective results with your business awning.

Shops at the Plaza Hotel

The Plaza is an icon of sophistication, and that extends to their retail shops. This lovely shelf-style wrought iron awning in a single run that unifies the entrance and display windows. The metal work features arched half-medallions that mirror the arched tops of the windows, and it has a skirt in basic black with lettering and logos in elegant gold, befitting the Plaza. Note the sides of the skirt also carry the hotel’s famous name.

The Cannibal

Located on East 29th Street, The Cannibal lives two lives. During the day, it’s a café plus beer and butcher retail shop. At night, it morphs into a charcuterie that serves small-plate menu items. The Cannibal was named Editor’s Choice (#1 pick) for brunch by NYC.com.

The narrow storefront has a simple yet distinctive awning that sets the café/shop apart from its next-door neighbor. The dark red color complements the building’s upper-story brick façade and contrasts gently with the gray street-level exterior and gray-blue doorway trim. The logo repeats that entry color. Hanging pots of ivy add “weight” and a welcoming touch that decorates and softens the overall appearance from the street.