Pilgrim

This project is the third installment of what has been a collaboration with Pilgrim’s founder Chris Gentile since its beginnings as Brooklyn’s premier surf shop in 2012. Earlier iterations of Pilgrim also saw a partnership with RHD Projects.

33 Grand Street,  Brooklyn, began its life as a bank for the shipping industry during the turn of the last century. Maintaining that history while updating everything and delivering a fresh design that fit the brand was a tall task. Restoring the floor-to-ceiling windows in the cathedral-like space was the first step, followed by refurbishing the light vault in the street and bringing the outside in by opening up the rear wall and framing the outdoor space.

This project was realized by direct collaboration between the Ruckercorp team and owner Chris Gentile on a daily basis, with the client taking an active role in building and realizing the vision. Done without an architect, both Ruckercorp and Gentile developed ideas, and ultimately plans, by hand drawing in sketchbooks, and weekly meetings with their draftsperson Sasha Chechel.

Fixed custom shelving, stone display table, stand-alone steel fixtures, and modular shelving with custom steel brackets. all were fabricated on-site. The only exception being the casework under the surfboard rack and shelving unit, built by family friend Jon Besch custom millwork.

Millwork: Jon Besch
Upholstery: Juan Nuala
Custom Finishes: Vincent Szarek
Signage: Travis Simon