L’Avenue at Saks Brings Parisian Elegance and Global Flavors to Manhattan

One of Vanguard’s hospitality projects, L’Avenue at Saks Fifth Avenue, was recently featured in an article on Haute Living. Writer Lauren Mosseri discusses the restaurant’s timeless design and highlights some fan favorites from the L’Avenue menu:

L’Avenue at Saks, located on the ninth floor of the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue New York flagship, delivers an unforgettable dining experience that harmonizes Parisian elegance with the vibrant energy of Manhattan. Inspired by its renowned Parisian counterpart, this sophisticated restaurant offers guests an atmosphere of luxury and innovation.

Designed by acclaimed visionary Philippe Starck, the space balances French chic with contemporary elements, featuring exquisite furnishings and Ara Starck’s striking 57-foot stained-glass fresque. Executive Chef Cedric Domenech has curated a menu that blends the artistry of French cuisine with dynamic Asian and Southeast Asian influences.

Vanguard served as Construction Manager for the 18,000 SF restaurant renovation on behalf of Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson Bay Company, and designer Philippe Starck. The high-end French inspired space features oak paneling, custom millwork, curved concrete stair with brass rails, Taiping carpets, stained glass wall, curtains, antique mirrored bathrooms and walls, glass vitrines, and new kitchen, with teak paneling on walls and ceilings at the bar, and refurbished elevators and lobby. Custom lighting with Lutron controls, AV system, extensive FFE and artwork along with new MEPS/FA installed. The restaurant celebrated their grand opening in February 2019, and has since hosted the city’s most exclusive patrons. 

Throughout Pre-Construction, Vanguard worked closely with the client and design team to provide extensive value engineering and constructibility services. Utilizing our expansive network of subcontractors and vendors, Vanguard was able to source specialty materials including door hardware and Taiping custom carpet for a lower price, keeping all materials within the client’s budget. During construction, a dedicated entrance for the restaurant was planned at the existing service entry on E51st Street. We worked closely with the client and A/E team to submit a sample of the new wrought iron transom and brass pull hardware to match those at the existing store entrances and submitted renderings featuring a proposed brass signage mounted on the existing stone façade for review and approval by Landmarks.