Designed by department store specialists Starrett & Van Vleck and built from 1922-24, the Sak's Fifth Avenue store had to meet two criteria.

First, Saks had to conform both to the conservative impulse to harmonize with the architectural character of Fifth Avenue, as promulgated by the Fifth Avenue Association.

Secondly, Saks need to meet the modern requirements of an up-to-the-minute luxury department store. In expanding from its Herald Square location, it's Fifth Avenue store was meant to launch the brand forward.

On top of all that, the new zoning law of New York mandated upper floors be progressively set back from the lot-line.

The resulting design was a handsome, but restrained and dignified neo-Renaissance style retail palazzo, with its administrative offices occupying the less visible setback stories above the seventh floor.

The store remains Sak's Flagship to this day and serves as the name of the brand.