Gjergji Shkurti blends hospitality and retail in Million Goods' Brooklyn expansion
Architect transforms historic space with marble, custom millwork and Brazilian brutalism influences
1Adaptive reuse of historic space
Architect Gjergji Shkurti transformed a former design studio in Fort Greene into Million Goods' second location, preserving elements like the original spiral staircase while adding new features. The two-level space with an expansive courtyard allowed more creative freedom compared to their single-level Greenpoint location. Local preservation boards approved the facade refinishing, maintaining the building's historic character while updating its functionality for contemporary retail and hospitality use.
2Material palette and craftsmanship
Shkurti employed Breccia Pernice stone for the wine bar countertop and sapele wood with peca tone finish for custom casework. The design integrates metallic speaker boxes into millwork, creating a seamless blend of audio and furniture elements. Local fabricator Wood Steel Stone contributed significant pieces including a central display table combining aluminum and wood layers, demonstrating the project's emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship and material innovation.
3Multifunctional social-retail integration
The ground floor combines a wine bar with social spaces, while retail occupies the upper level - physically separated but stylistically unified. A metal stand by Wood Steel Stone serves dual purposes as both point-of-sale station and DJ booth. Speaker systems by Bridge Street Sound are integrated throughout, including directly into the marble bar face, creating an immersive audio-visual experience that blurs lines between retail and entertainment.
4Brazilian brutalism influences
The backyard space draws inspiration from Brazilian brutalism, featuring a circular concrete planter that doubles as seating and a Louis Poulsen Flindt Plaza post as centerpiece. Washed concrete walls and custom pavers create a minimalist aesthetic. The design maintains functionality with integrated seating while achieving a distinctive architectural statement that contrasts with the more regal interior spaces.
5Japanese-inspired ceiling treatment
The ceiling features fabric draped between wooden slats for both acoustic dampening and lighting effects. This Japanese-inspired solution addresses practical sound control needs while creating distinctive visual texture. The layered approach combines insulation with aesthetic considerations, demonstrating Shkurti's attention to both technical performance and design detail throughout the project.
6Brand partnership integration
Lighting company Louis Poulsen sponsored the store, with their fixtures prominently featured including a vintage-style pendant lamp above the display table. The collaboration extends the brand's design language while providing functional illumination. Other designer pieces like Emeco bar stools by Philippe Starck complement the custom elements, creating a curated mix of branded and bespoke furnishings.
7Neighborhood contextual design
The design connects to Fort Greene's urban fabric, with the red staircase visible from busy DeKalb Street and upper-level views of nearby basketball courts. The color scheme references local context too - black facade facing the street aligns with neighboring buildings, while backyard trim matches the staircase's red hue. These choices root the high-design space in its community setting.
8New model for experiential retail
Million Goods' Brooklyn expansion represents an emerging retail typology that combines commerce with social experience. By integrating hi-fi systems, event spaces and hospitality elements, the design creates multiple engagement points beyond traditional shopping. This approach reflects broader industry trends toward destination retail that offers reasons to visit beyond product transactions alone.