Mykita is located in the NoLita SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District Extension of 2010, and is the former garage and loading area for the landmarked 270 Lafayette Building (just north of Prince Street). Method Design and structural engineer LED collaborated with MYKITA partner Daniel Haffmans and his design team, as well as the Landmarks Preservation Commission to establish a new accepted ‘historic infill’ and fabric for this portion of Crosby Street that acknowledges the character of the former light manufacturing use.
Central to this strategy is providing facade and interior architecture design that promotes pedestrian activity for tenants that utilize retail along side on-site artisans craft similar to the true intent of the Soho/Noho Special Mixed Use District. The newly proposed facade fabric seeks to alternately project and attract passers-by for retail engagement, as well as create a sense of continuity in the historic datums and materiality while emphasizing the light manufacturing/artistic work of the tenant (an eye wear maker – MYKITA).