Porcelanosa, the world-renowned manufacturer of ceramic wall and floor tiles, recently converted a landmark property in Manhattan formerly known as the Commodore Criterion building into a “white glove” retail environment.

Construction included the renovation of a 15,000-sq-ft, six-story area that was repurposed as a showroom, office, café and event space.

The building will be used as Porcelanosa’s U.S. flagship showroom. A seventh floor was added by reallocating space within the building. In addition, the facade was restored and kept in alignment with the protected property’s landmark status.

All the space is outfitted with Porcelanosa products. The showroom space features a design library with more than 1,000 reference books on tiles, mosaics, stones, hardwoods and other fine materials.

There is also a floor that features full-scale bathroom vignettes and sliding flooring displays. In addition, the café on the second floor is a fully functional model that displays Porcelanosa kitchen counters, sinks, hardware and furniture, while the bathrooms all feature Porcelanosa materials.

As a landmark,  the building’s exterior integrity had to be maintained during facade improvements. The building’s facade was restored and kept in alignment with the landmark guidelines.

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