Hoffman Showroom status

DavidC · Post by **DavidC** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 8:07 am

(via PrairieMod):

A Little More Info On Hoffman

David

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:07 am

We've lost another one...

http://commercialobserver.com/2013/04/o ... rk-avenue/

DRN · Post by **DRN** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:05 pm

Some would call this a minor work, but it is definitely a dropped ball. Given the obvious allusion to the Guggenheim, and the dynamics of the space, I'm surprised that even if an auto retailer didn't want a sales only space at that location, that a modern art gallery owner specializing sculpture would not have seen its potential. Location?

I wonder when the Wright designed (cherry? teak?) furniture (brochure tables, hassocks, built-in benches) will start to hit the auction blocks? I assume representatives of M-B removed them as they vacated and will eventually want to profit from them.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:10 pm

Mercedes did not own the building. They leased it from Midwood Properties. I presume that Midwood Properties owned the free-standing and built-in furniture.

DRN · Post by **DRN** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:15 pm

I would have thought the furniture (at the very least the moveable pieces) would have been the property of the tenant, as it was the tenant who contracted with Wright for the fit-out of the space originally.

Roderick Grant · Post by **Roderick Grant** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:21 pm

The problem with preserving commercial property is that it's all about profit. The M/B showroom is/was too specific in its design; to keep it intact would require finding a lessee who could accommodate the ramp. Easier to peddle a blank space so the next tenants can do whatever they want with it. Even Hoffman remodeled the place when he switched from Jaguar to M/B.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:31 pm

I was always taught that tenant improvements become the property of the Lessor upon termination of the lease.

Someone who is a professional in this field can correct me if this is incorrect.

jmcnally · Post by **jmcnally** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 5:52 pm

Typical leases provide that tenant improvements go to the landlord when the lease ends, but that only includes permanent attachments to the property. It would not include furniture, office equipment, display vehicles, or stationery. If it can be moved without damaging the structure, it belongs to the tenant.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Wed Apr 10, 2013 12:34 pm

http://www.prairiemod.com/prairiemod/20 ... ition.html

DRN · Post by **DRN** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 11:05 am

A link to a New York Times 2007 remembrance of Max Hoffman:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/autom ... .html?_r=0

My apologies if this is a repost.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:57 am

more info on what happened behind the scenes...

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20 ... /130419943

Roderick Grant · Post by **Roderick Grant** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 1:18 pm

Where do they get the idea that Hoffman was the inspiration for Guggenheim? Not only did Morris precede Hoffman by 6 years, the Guggenheim design preceded them both, to say nothing about Gordon Strong.

Macrodex · Post by **Macrodex** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:33 pm

I recall Scully remarking how Guggenheim could've been inspired by some Corbusier creation I can't recall the name of. I really doubt it; and wonder if he knew of Gordon Strong or Wright's remarks about Corbusier.

Matt · Post by **Matt** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:05 pm

Demolition permits should have a space to fill in the name of the architect-designer of the work being demolished. Certain names should then send up a red flag so that permits aren't issues in just a day.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:40 pm

Matt wrote:Demolition permits should have a space to fill in the name of the architect-designer of the work being demolished. Certain names should then send up a red flag so that permits aren't issues in just a day.

What a great idea!