Old Guard Gets New Looks

In plastic surgeon terms, if Bloomingdale's is getting a $6 million nose job, then Saks Fifth Avenue is getting a $100 million, head-to-toe restoration.

Both Manhattan flagships are undergoing extensive revamps. Saks, which is two years into a five-year overhaul plan, is said the second biggest retail renovation ever (the largest being Macy's, Herald Square). Saks'10th floor is already completed. Eventually, the first, second and third floors will resemble spacious, broad boulevards, store executives say. The third floor, slated for a November 2001 completion, will have a bright, airy feel with its white palette and curved, barreled ceiling.

Bloomingdale's renovated fourth (designer) floor is expected to be complete in October. Vendors like Chanel and Armani Black Label are getting larger shops, and the entire area will be framed by a flattened ceiling and a light, quartz marble floor.

Both recreations are being handled by New York architectural firm Tucci Segrete & Rosen Consultants Inc.