TURETT COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTS

NewsBar, 4 locations New York, NY

Project Description

Client: Newsbar, LP
Project category: CafÈ
Location: 2 West 19th Street
New York City Size: 600 square feet
Status: Completed 1991


TCA Managing Partner Wayne Turett turned to his childhood for inspiration when he created Newsbar, a contemporary urban take on the neighborhood luncheonette of the past. Turett not only designed the New York City cafÈ, he was the owner and operator for more than two years. When it opened in 1991, Newsbar became a new standard for the city coffee bar --- a standard that was soon repeated in four additional Newsbar locations in Manhattan.

The luncheonette of Turett's past had been a haven for afternoons spent loitering over comics and candy. Turett updated his vision to focus on more adult passions --- outstanding coffee and glossy magazines. And the idea for Newsbar emerged.

The TCA design for Newsbar transforms the luncheonette of yesterday into something decidedly minimal and modern. Floor to ceiling glass opens up the 600 square foot Newsbar to the neighborhood, inviting all to witness the scene inside. Customers gaze from the counter at the world passing outside. Galvanized steel racks pivot easily to reveal a selection of more than 500 magazines from around the world. Ceiling-hung televisions offer the news from CNN. Lingering over latte, a sandwich or dessert is clearly encouraged.

"At Newsbar, I've tried to break the mold of what is traditional, what is expected," Turett says. Turett chose raw, industrial materials to create a space that is futuristic yet comfortable. Counters are made of poured concrete then positioned atop stainless steel, galvanized metal shelves and topped with fiberglass panels. The floor, like a city sidewalk, is also made of poured concrete. Tall tables along the storefront wall feature glossy publications sealed under glass. At other floor mounted tables, customers spin around as they sit on revolving stools attached to fixed center supports. The main service counter is made of concrete and translucent fiberglass. Throughout the space, raw design materials are used to enhance the polished, industrial beauty of the coffee equipment and the colorful allure of international magazines.

Working with a limited space, TCA has created an open ambiance for Newsbar. The 16' ceilings are left open. Industrial cast aluminum light fixtures highlight the food product and spotlights the magazine racks. Signage features Newsbar graphics. Designed by Tracy Turner Design, a steaming coffee cup is set against news type style bars that announce News Bar.

"The use of raw materials is kind of a subtle play," Turett explains. "The more you place in there, the more it dilutes the effect. Keeping Newsbar simple and uncluttered allows that whole play on materials to come through. And that rawness in design is so effective when set against the refined qualities of the espresso machines and magazines." According to Turett, "The industrial components and elements help counter the expectations that people often have of coffee bars and newsstands." And it supports Turett's preference for innovative use of low-cost materials. Newsbar cost an average of $250 per square foot.

Newsbar has been featured in leading design magazines and columns including Interior Design, Village Voice, Paper Magazine and New York, A Guide to Recent Architecture.

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