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 buildingalso announce the locale. The foyer is posh, the oversized elevatoris shiny and new, and the entryway into the center is elegant. Ifexpenses 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 thepresentation of the facility with a great looking room-stylespaces. Merchandise, as the placard on the side of the buildingsuggests, 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 a10-foot-long table by Phillip Lloyd Powell with a slate top andcarved wooden base. An eclectic mix of merchandise can be seen inthe 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.