

- West Elm’s corporate headquarters are located in Empire Stores, a 186-year-old industrial complex on Brooklyn’s waterfront. The historic warehouse was once a prime destination for ships laden with coffee beans from far-off lands. The building lay vacant for years before recently becoming one of New York City’s most desirable destinations for retail, dining, and culture.
To emphasize the link between Brooklyn’s past and future, Provenance salvaged structural beams from the site before construction began. Using highly refined processing methods, each century-old column was milled into a site-specific element.
When West Elm decided to consolidate its headquarters in 2016, they knew they wanted a space that embodied their unique brand vision. Over the course of 12 years, the company grew from a catalog-only business to a billion dollar global retailer known for its well-crafted home decor and support of artisans. Clearly, their new Brooklyn office needed to reflect those values. Provenance’s attention to detail and ability to interpret reclaimed materials in a modern way made them a natural fit for the project.
Working closely with VM Architecture and Design (VMAD), Provenance channeled the company’s creative spirit. From salvaging and milling to designing and fabricating, the project shows the full scope of our team’s capabilities. Provenance’s thoughtful touches show up throughout the 10,000-square-foot workspace and no doubt inspire West Elm’s employees.
The final result is a space that mirrors West Elm’s sophisticated esthetic. The successful collaboration demonstrates a shared appreciation for rich materials and mindful design. Provenance was thrilled to play a part in creating a backdrop for West Elm’s exciting future.