The Wraps Are Off! Lascoff Pharmacy Resurrected As Warby Parker Store.

E 82nd (credit: Ayesha Fine)

The Sign (credit: Ayesha Fine)

Wide View (credit: Ayesha Fine)

What Once Was (Credit: Forgotten NY)

There was almost certain doom in July of 2012 when iconic Lascoff Pharmacy departed their longtime home at the corner of 82nd Street and Lexington Avenue. The Pharmacy/Apothecary had stood on the corner since 1915, and was in business since 1899. What would become of the famous sign, and the wonderful architecture? Another preservation tragedy would surely ensue!
Fast forward to this week, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Warby Parker has taken the old space and modified it to their needs. While nothing can match the bronze arched windows stuffed with rare products and concoctions from around the world, nor the hat-like brass awning, much was saved. The sign is still there although the name will change. The diamond tile floors remain, as does the spiral staircase and mezzanine. The building itself retains the same arched windows and architecture while the building has gone from decaying brownstone to a color that resembles a chalkboard. I am not sure if the cornice is coming back as the top 2 floors have been gutted and continue under construction. Eh, it's not everything that I wanted, but it sure could have been much, much worse, and for this I am happy.
Great Links-
Tour Warby Parker's Historic UES Store (Racked 3/19/2014)
Lascoff Drugs Vanishing (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York 7/2012)
Lascoff Pharmacy (Forgotten NY, date unknown)