Remember When: Alteration and Refurbishing – Almost Ready to Greet You!

By Harvey G. Stack, Senior Numismatic Consultant

Over the weekend, a visit to our shop at 123 West 57th Street would reveal it is nearly ready to re-open for full time business for all who come to visit Stack’s Bowers newly re-built and re-furbished retail shop in midtown New York.

As reported earlier, the rear portion of the shop, (the same as it has been since 1953) was stripped of old cabinets and fixtures and replaced with a work area for the staff.  New lights, new air conditioning, a new security system, cameras to secure special locations, and new communication equipment are in place.  A huge walk-in vault was revamped in the rear, able to store collections and inventory safely. Special phones are in place, (with direct communication to our various locations, here and abroad), as is a new computer system to help serve our clients and friends.

The front half of the shop, has places for the famous "Stack's Sit Down Showcases,” with special chairs for the comfort of viewers. A new lighting system is in place, with the illumination well designed for looking at numismatic displays and items for sale. Some of the special tray cabinets, used over the decades, have been re-done, and positioned to make items easily available to the sales force so they can serve you on the spot. Some of the original bookcases, used to house books for examination and purchase, have been redone to maintain the ambiance of yesteryear, especially for those who were familiar with Stack’s famous "club house" atmosphere.

Presently the front entrance to the Stack’s Bowers shop is boarded up with a large wooden casing. It is being finished shortly and the entrance way will be directly on 57th Street. Beyond the wooden casing is the actual entrance way with the original brass doorway in place and re-finished (although currently inaccessible), and a re-styled attractive window display area, styled to show numismatic items at their best.  The front window is brass framed, and special bank-style glass protects the displays. Overall, as it is being completed, one can see the careful blending of the old ambiance with many new and modern touches.  It will be a most inviting location for all to visit. The actual Grand Re-Opening is scheduled for this summer, and we urge you to watch for further announcements.

A Special Note:

During the renovations, a staff of qualified numismatists is available in the shop  to serve visitors as the project is being completed. For those who are not familiar with the Stack's Bowers shop on 57th Street, it still has two entrances, the front (presently being re-done and inaccessible) and a side entrance through the adjacent Hotel Salisbury Lobby, which provides entry  to our shop.

Be sure to visit us next time you are in New York City!