Press Release

“THE MONOCLE” COMING NOVEMBER 2021 

Owners of michael P. design, room and Crockett & Co. to turn former synagogue into a “Destination of Discovery” boutique department store. 

New retail concept is first of its kind in Western New York and will offer full lifestyle shopping experience 

 

BUFFALO, NY (April 20, 2021) – Today, Michael Poczkalski, owner and principal designer of michael P. design and room, and David Brugh, owner and principal barber of Crockett & Co., announced they have purchased the former synagogue located at 1235 Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo and will be transforming the building into “The Monocle,” a modern, boutique department store and first-of-its-kind retail concept in Western New York. The duo’s plans for the building include relocating their stores—michael P. design, room, and Crocket & Co.—from existing locations on Hertel and Saranac Avenues, as well as creating additional gifting, retail and social experiences.

Conversion of the building from synagogue to Destination of Discovery is underway, with a target opening date set for November 2021. Lamparelli Construction Company has been retained to do the renovation of the historic structure, working in conjunction with michael P. design on interior and exterior updates. The interior will be updated to include spaces for the assortment of experiential offerings on both the ground and first floors, while maintaining an open concept to accentuate the beauty and height of the original space. 

“When room and michael P. design first moved to Hertel Avenue more than 10 years ago, we wanted to create a destination for shoppers with our flagship store,” said Michael Poczkalski. “That sentiment still holds true but now, The Monocle will be home to much more beyond interior décor to offer visitors a full-scale luxury lifestyle shopping experience that will be a must-see destination on Hertel Avenue.”

“As creatives and entrepreneurs, we take great inspiration from our travels around the U.S. and overseas and wanted to bring that inspiration to our hometown, creating a new experiential shopping experience that builds off of the same cutting-edge design and retail reputation that the community and our customers have come to know from room, michael P. design, and Crockett & Co.,” said David Brugh. “Our vision for The Monocle is to be known as the premier shopping destination in Western New York that leaves you feeling inspired, excited and wanting more.”

Poczkalski and Brugh’s vision for The Monocle is a collective of businesses that offer a multidimensional selection of luxury goods and services. This modern department store concept will include the following:

  • room – On the main floor, room will offer a newly curated furniture collection highlighting the best in furniture and home trends. Gifting and accessories will feature a selection of high-end unique items that have a more limited availability than a typical big box or national retail chain. Expanded retail offerings will include jewelry, scarves, bags, dishware, glassware, outdoor lifestyle and picnic baskets. Couples will also be able to have a wedding registry with room at The Monocle.

  • michael P. design – The Monocle will host the design offices of michael P. design and the team of five designers. Residing on the newly created mezzanine level, the michael P. design offices will overlook the room showroom floor.

  • Crockett and Co. Barbershop – Crockett and Co. Barbershop will occupy the lower level of the building offering services such as traditional wet shaves, full beard trimming and time-honored classic barber services haircuts. Crockett & Co.’s offerings are inspired by the grand heritage of the olden days but tailored for modern, style-conscious individuals.

  • Apothecary – An extension of Crockett & Co. will be a traditional apothecary offering unisex face, hair and body products as well as fragrances. The Apothecary would be located on the lower level featuring exclusive product lines.

  • Library – Located on the lower level adjacent to Crockett & Co., a cozy Library with fireplace will offer a place for guests for a brief respite from shopping. The Library will also feature additional gifting such as books and cocktail ware.

  • Mr. Potts Coffee & Tea Emporium – Mr. Potts will be The Monocle’s prime social setting that focuses on an assortment of specialty in-house baked goods, exotic teas and locally sourced coffee. A curated collection of cocktails and wines, as well as lunch and traditional tea service, will be added to the lineup in Spring of 2022.

For updates, news and inspiration on The Monocle’s progress, sign up for The Monocle’s email newsletter at info@themonoclebuffalo.com and follow along on Instagram at @themonocle.buffalo.

 

About michael P. design / room

michael P. design is a full-service interior design firm based in Buffalo, NY offering design and décor services for residential and commercial projects. Established in 2005, our signature design artfully combines classic, contemporary styling with the understanding of architectural details.  Our design philosophy is flexible and responsive. We approach every project with a unique artistic vision infused with your own personal style. We believe that interior design has the ability to change someone’s entire world.  

Discovering the need for high-level design products, Principal Designer Michael Poczkalski and partner David Brugh opened room, a luxury furniture boutique offering Buffalo NY classic contemporary home styling by featuring a stunning selection of furniture, tableware, rugs and accessories. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings including BABYroom, which epitomizes “baby cool,” bringing a playful mix of gifting and high design to the store’s flagship Hertel Avenue location. 

About Crocket & Co.

Crockett & Co. is a traditional, yet refined environment where clients are encouraged to come early or stay late, enjoy a whisky or wine and relax in the easy company of our expert barbers. At our North Buffalo location, our professional team treats our clients with utmost respect and will ensure everyone feels welcome. Fronting Crockett & Co. is our ‘supply’ offering provisions for the rigors of everyday life. Part grooming, part lifestyle, part gift & part apothecary - a modern day mini general store.