Project Spotlight: Davidoff Madison Avenue – A Luxury Retail Design Transformation
- mbharch
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Project Overview
Name: Davidoff Madison Avenue
Location: 515 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Client: Davidoff of Geneva USA
MBH Role: Architect of Record
Size: 3,375 SF (Ground Floor + Cellar)
Project Type: Remodel
Design Start: February 2024
Construction: January–August 2025
Opening: August 15, 2025
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Davidoff of Geneva’s Madison Avenue location has long been a destination for discerning cigar enthusiasts. MBH Architects partnered with the Swiss luxury brand to reimagine its flagship store, blending luxury retail design, refined hospitality, and brand heritage into a cohesive, elevated experience.
A Heritage of Craftsmanship, Reimagined Through Luxury Retail Design
Davidoff of Geneva is internationally recognized for precision, tradition, and exceptional craftsmanship. Their retail spaces are designed to be immersive environments—equal parts boutique, lounge, and cultural space. MBH served as Architect of Record for the Madison Avenue remodel, tasked with updating both the ground floor and cellar levels to expand hospitality offerings while preserving the timeless elegance that defines the brand.
Warm wood tones, a tobacco-inspired color palette, and clean detailing create a sophisticated backdrop for Davidoff’s premium cigars and accessories. The remodeled space aims to offer a modern cigar lounge experience attuned to the rhythms of Midtown Manhattan.
Designing the Customer Journey
Upon entering the store, visitors are welcomed into a thoughtfully composed retail area that flows directly into the walk-in humidor—a dramatic focal point lined with custom shelving and crowned by a sculptural ceiling installation of suspended tobacco leaves. This immersive space highlights Davidoff’s craftsmanship while engaging the senses through sight, texture, and aroma.
Two lounges—one at the rear of the main floor and a newly expanded cellar-level lounge—invite guests to linger, with comfortable seating, integrated television screens, and a bar that encourages leisurely enjoyment. Strategically placed humidified lockers add a personal touch, offering convenient storage for regular patrons.
Materiality and Technical Precision
Material selection plays a central role in expressing the brand. Rich walnut veneers, polished stone, and earth-toned finishes echo the textures and hues of tobacco leaves. In the humidor, MBH employed high-performance vinyl flooring from Patcraft to achieve the warmth of natural wood while ensuring durability in a humidity-controlled environment.
Behind the scenes, the remodel required precise coordination of mechanical and humidity systems to maintain ideal cigar storage conditions and manage air quality in the lounges. MBH worked closely with engineers and contractors to integrate these systems seamlessly, ensuring technical performance did not compromise the clean architectural lines.
Sourcing Locally, Building Sustainably
For the first time, Davidoff emphasized local sourcing for millwork and materials, shifting from their traditional reliance on European suppliers. This decision supported North American craftsmanship and streamlined the supply chain while aligning with more sustainable building practices.
A New Chapter for a Midtown Landmark
The redesigned Davidoff Madison Avenue blends retail, hospitality, and lifestyle into a unified, contemporary environment. Visible from both Madison Avenue and 53rd Street, the store invites passersby to step inside and experience the brand’s signature sophistication. The flagship reflects Davidoff’s timeless aesthetic while embracing the future of experiential retail in one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
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