Cesare Attolini

The project presented several unique challenges:

• High-End Design Requirements: A standard wheelchair lift was insufficient for Cesare Attolini’s iconic style, necessitating a custom design that seamlessly integrated with the boutique's luxurious materials and finishes.

• Compact Installation Space: The installation required precision in a small area while coordinating with other trades working simultaneously in the boutique.

• Aesthetic Consistency: The lift needed to complement the polished stainless steel, bare-edged glass, and black granite flooring, as well as blend with the boutique’s existing millwork and design elements.

• Tight Timeline: The project had to be completed within a compressed schedule, requiring close coordination with all teams.

• Custom Platform Lift: The installation was based on the Genesis by Garaventa, featuring a roller chain hydraulic drive system.

  • Glass Extension: A shoe was added on top of the drive mast to extend the glass enclosure to the ceiling on all sides.

  • Polished Aesthetic: Bare-edged glass car sides were paired with a stainless car operating panel (COP) for a sleek, modern look.

• Attention to Detail:

  • The pit floor was tiled, and the underside of the platform was covered in stainless steel to maintain a flawless appearance, even when the lift was at the upper landing.

  • Black granite flooring contrasted with the polished stainless panels on the mast face, creating a striking visual effect.

• Warm Integration: Millwork trim around the lift entrances matched adjacent cabinets, softening the impact of the glass and stainless and ensuring a warm, inviting feel.

• Collaborative Execution: INA Building Shop’s expert glass and polished stainless work was instrumental in achieving the high standard required for the project.

The custom wheelchair lift exceeded expectations, delivering not just Accessibility with Dignity, but Accessibility with Style.

• Seamless Design Integration: The lift blends effortlessly into the boutique’s luxurious interior, enhancing rather than detracting from the overall aesthetic.

• Floating Sensation: The design creates a feeling of floating on air, with glass walls offering an unobstructed view of the dramatic chandelier, contributing to the boutique's sophisticated atmosphere.

• Precision and Elegance: Despite working in a tight space under a strict timeline, the lift installation showcases flawless craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Cesare Attolini’s Madison Avenue boutique now stands as a prime example of how accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into high-end retail design.