Cartier SoHo

Located in New York City, the Cartier SoHo store is the definition of luxury after opening in 2023. A brand known for iconic jewelry and design, Cartier has been a staple in the New York style scene for over 100 years.

Cartier, one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands, partnered with Henderson Engineers and Henderson Building Solutions to assist with the opening of their new boutique, appropriately located in the French-inspired 1881 Cast Iron Historic District building. Each of the four floors of this iconic landmark building offers a different experience for the customer.

Loaded with unique features, this also presented opportunities to tackle various challenges from an electrical, mechanical, and plumbing standpoint. Hidden gems within the store, such as the second-floor speakeasy/bar, offers another layer of exclusivity and sophistication to the shopping experience. Henderson worked diligently with the client during the renovation, honoring the building's landmark status and, preserving its historic elements while introducing modern luxury features. The unique rear skylight was carefully refurbished, allowing natural light to flood the space, and highlighting the grandeur of the architecture.

The central atrium, crowned by a grand staircase, presented a unique challenge. Henderson engineered a state-of-the-art solution with water and smoke curtains, ensuring safety and aesthetic harmony. These discreetly integrated systems maintain the open, airy feel of the atrium while providing essential fire protection. The project required meticulous planning to accommodate HVAC equipment and other mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire (MEPF) infrastructure into the compact back of house areas. Henderson's expertise ensured that all systems were seamlessly integrated within accessible ceilings, maintaining the store's clean and luxurious appearance. Due to the replacement of the street's sanitary main, the team installed a new sewage ejector system. This allowed for proper waste management despite the new main being too high for a direct connection, demonstrating our adaptability in addressing unforeseen challenges.

Attention to detail was paramount in the coordination of plumbing fixture finishes. Every element, from faucets and strainers to p-traps, soap dispensers, and ADA grab bars, was selected to ensure a cohesive aesthetic throughout the store. These fixtures have now become the standard for all Cartier locations across North America. The terrace irrigation system features a groundbreaking freezeproof connection, typically used in ground applications, that is flush with the planter’s surface. This system drains down to the floor below, eliminating the need for traditional, more conspicuous hose bibbs or exposed connections. This innovative approach ensures that the terrace remains both functional and visually unobtrusive.

The transformation of the Cartier luxury store exemplifies Henderson and Henderson Building’s commitment to blending innovation with heritage. The result is a luxurious, modern shopping experience housed within a historically significant building, setting a new benchmark for luxury retail environments.

*Professional engineering services in the states of New York, North Carolina, and Michigan are provided by HNY Consulting Engineers.