Journal

We’re thrilled to share a first look at the design for the upcoming Tracks Raw Bar and Grill at Grand Central Madison—a project by renowned restaurateur Bruce Caulfield, famous for the iconic Tracks Bar at Penn Station. While construction is still underway and the grand opening is a few months away, we couldn’t wait to reveal how this exciting new dining concept will soon enhance the bustling LIRR hub on Manhattan’s east side. Check out our accompanying PIX TV News video for a sneak peek of the space in progress.

From the start, our design intent has been to celebrate speed, movement, and the energy of train travel. Horizontal lines and curved metal elements create a dynamic flow reminiscent of sleek railcars, recalling the beloved railroad theme of the original Tracks. An aluminum tube structure encloses cozy booths and banquettes, nodding to a train’s architectural frame.

Located within the lower level of Grand Central Madison, Tracks Raw Bar and Grill will sit alongside notable new amenities and attractions. Commuters and tourists can easily access the station through multiple entrances, including 383 Madison Avenue. Adjacent to our future location, visitors can admire mesmerizing public artworks, such as Yayoi Kusama’s mosaic masterpiece, “A Message of Love, Directly from My Heart unto the Universe,” adding a bright, uplifting note to the concourse.

We are delighted to announce the opening of Penn Cellars Wine & Spirits, a boutique wine store located in the heart of Penn Station’s revitalized concourse. The store offers a curated selection of exceptional wines and spirits, making it a must-visit destination for commuters, visitors, and locals alike.

Part of the dynamic transformation of the Penn District—led by Vornado Realty Trust and Foster + Partners—Penn Cellars is situated in one of the most connected locations in the Western Hemisphere. With seamless access to Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, and 15 subway lines, the Penn District has become a bustling urban hub enhanced by public spaces like the 33rd Street Pedestrian Plaza, which invites you to shop, relax, and explore.

Penn Cellars’ design reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, beauty, and functionality. Our studio carefully balanced the challenges of the space—such as its 7’2” ceiling height—with thoughtful details that enhance both aesthetics and usability. The dark brown ceiling evokes the ambiance of an underground wine cellar, while warm mahogany millwork, inspired by 20th-century train cars, creates a timeless and welcoming atmosphere. Modular shelving systems bring flexibility and highlight the store’s expertly curated collection.

Penn Cellars was designed to enhance the experience of discovery, showcasing wines and spirits in a space that is both elegant and approachable. The attention to detail in the architecture mirrors the care taken by the store’s operators in selecting boutique labels and smaller producers, creating a destination where the environment and offerings work in harmony.

We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this project to life. Whether you’re passing through Penn Station or exploring the vibrant Penn District, Penn Cellars is a destination worth visiting. Pro Tip: Tastings currently take place Wednesday through Friday 5-7pm.

H-House is a single-family, ground-up construction in Sardinia. We developed this design in collaboration with our friends and colleagues Arch. Davide Fancello and Arch. Agnese Mavuli of studio Inhori – a practice based in Sardinia, Italy. Here are some recent construction images of the Core and Shell.

Photo Credit: Davide Fancello.

AD Italia has covered House of Courtyards with an extensive feature written by Carlotta Trevaini.

“The House of Courtyards, a new Columbia County house, is a refined living space in the heart of a secluded wooded plot.

Set on a 12-acre plot, this wooden, Columbia County house in Austerlitz, New York, simultaneously invites the forest in while also creating a strong sense of connectivity between the interior spaces. Planned around a courtyard and covered outdoor spaces, but unified through form and material, The House of Courtyards is a contemporary take on the cabin in the woods.” Article by Jonathan Bell.