Craft House Client, Classic Car Club, Featured In Dezeen

Classic Car Club Manhattan

New York designer Marc Thorpe is behind the interiors of a clubhouse for classic car enthusiasts at Manhattan's Pier 76, where members can show off their vehicles and drink at an industrial-looking bar.

Marc Thorpe designs home for Classic Car Club at New York pier

By Dan Howarth, Dezeen

The Classic Car Club Manhattan has relocated to a 40,000-square-foot space at the pier on the West Side Highway after years at its previous home in Soho.

A member himself, Thorpe was asked to design the spaces in which the community can meet, eat and host events – centred around a large hall where rare vehicles can be displayed.

"Classic Car Club has grown to become the epicentre of New York City's bustling car culture and a destination for auto enthusiasts from around the globe to share their passion for anything on wheels," said a statement from the organisation.

From an entirely bright orange entrance vestibule, visitors arrive at a bar area, with a moody atmosphere created by lots of dark wood and sparse dim lighting.
An industrial feel is evoked by large steel I-beams that above and below the concrete counter, and perforated metal mesh behind. Black stools and the weathered timber flooring also add to this aesthetic.

On one side of the bar, partitions open to reveal the vehicle exhibition space. Cars and motorcycles can be driven in through large doors, and parked on the polished concrete floor for members to admire.

To the other side of the bar is a lounge area, where a similar dark palette is used across furniture like leather chairs, wooden tables and

From this space, a staircase leads up to another seating area called the Hayloft, where huge murals cover the walls and bright artworks decorate other surfaces.

The upstairs area has a lighter and more contemporary feel, aided by furniture that Thorpe designed for Italian company Moroso – including his Blur sofa and armchairs.

Back on the lower level, a terrace overlooking the Hudson has outdoor seating and tensile sun shades for relaxing on warmer days. There's also an automotive workshop inside, for members to service and update their vehicles.

The Classic Car Club Manhattan opened earlier this year to members and visitors alike, and can be hired out for events. The club was founded in London in 1995 and opened in New York City in 2005.