When adidas set out to redefine the retail experience at their 5th Avenue flagship store, the vision was clear: create a space that seamlessly blends sport, creativity, and consumer engagement. Built by JT Magen and opened in 2016, the design draws inspiration from high school stadiums—complete with a tunnel entrance, locker room–style dressing areas, bleacher-like seating, and even track and turf zones where visitors can test performance products. The immersive environment goes beyond retail, offering fitness consultations with EXOS trainers and an in-store juice bar.
A key design goal for the project was to highlight unique, unconventional materials that elevate the space. Collaborating with GBA Architectural Products + Services, the team selected Composite Cast Iron Panels—a standout product that captures the timeless look of vintage cast iron while remaining light enough to suspend from the ceiling.
GBA supplied and installed eight 2' x 4' prefabricated composite cast iron and paver panels in the main hallway. Each panel features a hidden support system engineered by JT Magen, finished with a black patina framework and glazed with hundreds of shimmering solid glass prisms. When backlit, the prisms create a striking, luminous effect that enhances the store’s dramatic atmosphere.
The result is an award-winning installation that not only honors the bold, stadium-inspired concept but also showcases how architectural materials can transform retail into an experience. Today, the adidas flagship continues to stand as a prime example of innovation in design, having earned 11 industry awards and recognition for its boundary-pushing approach.
"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company
"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C
"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler
"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting
"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors
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