: Although the facility had casually opened back in December, the
River Stone Antiques and Design Center formally opened its doors
with a gala grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 25.
Group shops are all-to-often associated with the impressions of
vast open areas with masses of clutter; River Stone has proven to
be an exception with its sophisticated air and stylish
appearance.
Presentation is exceptional with this first-class effort coming
off as a marvel from the outside inward. The building itself, a
1920s commercial space in the heart of this up and coming
riverfront community, is a classic three-story-tall stone
structure constructed of round-edge river stones. Announcing the
presence of the shop is an attractive colorful three-story-tall
placard decorated with an Eames DCW chair, a Continental Louis
XVI bureau plat with bronze mounts, an ornately carved and gilded
mirror and a Chippendale armchair, all accurate representations
of the merchandise that awaits buyers inside.
Patricia Reid Deluca in her stand.
Streaming banners staggered across the front of the building
also announce the locale. The foyer is posh, the oversized elevator
is shiny and new, and the entryway into the center is elegant. If
expenses were spared, it is not apparent where.
As one enters River Stone, it immediately becomes apparent that
this is not just any old group shop; there are no stacks of stuff
strewn across tables, jammed into cubbies and getting lost in
recesses. River Stone is a class act with stylish individual
spaces in which everything, right down to the last detail, has
been attended to.
Spaces are fully walled with an elaborate heavily molded fascia
across the front of the booth adding a feeling of elegance.
Lighting is concealed behind the fascia, giving each of the
spaces a natural, evenly lit feeling. "We worked with an
architect from Ginsburg Development with the layout and
presentations," stated River Stone's executive director, Martin
Greenstein. "People come in and they are amazed at all the
elegant things like the finished wooden floors, booth placards,
all the little details that add up to create a higher level of
sophistication."
Manager Martin Greenstein in front of the architecturally
impressive building.
For the most part, dealers have gone all-out to match the
presentation of the facility with a great looking room-style
spaces. Merchandise, as the placard on the side of the building
suggests, is varied, yet focused with an eye toward quality.
There is fun stuff in the way of folk art, architectural
ornaments, prints and maps, Modern furniture and accessories,
English and Continental furnishings, and a rug dealer. There are
34 booths in the facility as well as an additional 15 showcases.
Attracting the trade and retail buyers, the River Stone Center is
also drawing a serious amount of designer/decorator interest. One
of the front spaces that has proved to be extremely popular,
filled with a whole assortment of bathroom fixtures, is presented
by LooLoo Design.
The merchandise ranges from a cast iron tub with the white
porcelain contrasting sharply with the black outer surface and
gilt claw foot legs to a selection of pedestal sinks.
There are plenty of other wonderful presentations, such as
Stanley Rinehart's space with a large William IV breakfront in
flame mahogany, tables chairs and artwork creating a visually
appealing homelike setting. Patricia Reid Deluca commented that
she was extremely pleased with her space, also creating a homey
atmosphere, although much less formal with a country appeal.
The booth of Stanley Rinehart is a popular spot.
Modern furniture includes a space dominated with a
10-foot-long table by Phillip Lloyd Powell with a slate top and
carved wooden base. An eclectic mix of merchandise can be seen in
the Modern room booth presentation assembled by Bridges Over Time.
The facility also has an expansive third floor space that has yet
to be utilized. Auctions, design shows and art events are all
possible uses that Greenstein may explore.
A short drive north of the Tappan Zee Bridge and within a (small)
stone's throw of the scenic Hudson River, the River Stone
Antiques and Design Center is a convenient drive from New Jersey,
New York City and Connecticut. The town of Haverstraw itself is
becoming more charming with each passing day; expect the Center
and the town to soon become a destination stop. River Stone is at
37 West Broad Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 to
5:30, Sunday noon to 5 pm. For further information, 845-786-8600.
