LEON’S
UNION SQUARE, 2024
Hospitality
CLIENT
NICK ANDERER & NATALIE JOHNSON
INTERIOR DESIGN
DAVID BUCOVY ARCHITECT
MEP ENGINEER
AKF
FOODSERVICE DESIGN FIRM
JACOBS DOLAND BEER
CONTRACTOR
COCOZZA
PHOTOGRAPHY
DAVID MITCHELL
Conceived by husband and wife duo chef Nick Anderer and sommelier Natalie Johnson, Leon’s is an elevated all-day Italian restaurant featuring Egyptian and French influences. It was named after Natalie’s great-grandfather from Alexandria, who emigrated first to Naples before eventually arriving in America. DBA’s design for the 5,500-square-foot space draws influence from the Mediterranean cuisine and the clients’ vision for a convivial neighborhood gathering place. Carefully selected materials, including white oak, black walnut and Cipollino marble, evoke an atmosphere befitting both the restaurant and its historic setting inside an 1895 Renaissance Revival building.
“”
DBA very deftly adapted our aesthetic concept to help us realize a beautiful, practical and efficient restaurant design. David and his team work with unwavering professionalism, a deep understanding of all necessary code, and are truly humble collaborators.
NATALIE JOHNSON
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CO-OWNER, LEON’S
DBA kept the existing square Corinthian columns and pilasters of the landmarked building in their evocative state of decay. The found architectural objects of the George B. Post-designed structure created an order for the project, anchoring a mannerist ceiling cove and the wood back bar. A specially designed clock over the back bar mirror nods to the distinctive timepieces of Le Train Bleu of Gare de Lyon in Paris and the Luigi Gilli café of Florence.
The green leather selected for the bar stool and chair upholstery — aniline-dyed, natural grain cowhide from Townsend Leather — was chosen for its rich hue and tactility. The detail of its scars, veins, wrinkles and color variation brought a sense of authenticity and tradition that welcomes daily use while maintaining sophistication. The client liked the material so much they decided to also use it for the check presenters.
The green leather selected for the bar stool and chair upholstery — aniline-dyed, natural grain cowhide from Townsend Leather — was chosen for its rich hue and tactility. The detail of its scars, veins, wrinkles and color variation brought a sense of authenticity and tradition that welcomes daily use while maintaining sophistication. The client liked the material so much they decided to also use it for the check presenters.
“”
The best projects always arise where client and architect are close collaborators. Leon’s was pursued with a mutual joy and wonder from beginning to end.
David Bucovy
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DBA
