In the video embedded above from this morning, NYSE Euronext Chief Operating Officer Larry Leibowitz and Meridien Equity Partners’ Senior Managing Partner Jonathan Corpina talk with CNBC’s Scott Wapner about the NYSE’s next-generation trading floor, the first piece of which is visible for the first time today.

A couple/three key points:

• Larry says the project provides a better blend of people and technology. Brokers get a better network so they can do the same agency business from the NYSE trading floor that they currently do off the floor, also called “upstairs.”
• Jonathan says it will enable his firm to consolidate its off-floor and on-floor operations, bringing its liquidity provision under one roof — onto the floor, with its value-added trading tools. The result, he says: better trade executions for customers.
• Larry adds that it will position floor brokers to better compete and grow.
• OK, permit me a fourth point: The new space looks unbelievably great, recapturing the beautiful old marble, windows and architecture of the place even while adding the latest in broker workspaces and systems. Props to all of my colleagues involved with the project.

More to come on this. Hope you’re having a magnificant Monday.