Waldorf Astoria New York unveils renovation designs

March 29, 2017

Waldorf Astoria New York
Waldorf Astoria New York’s renovated Lexington Avenue Entry Space (Rendering courtesy of Waldorf Astoria)

The Waldorf Astoria in New York City closed for renovations on February 28, 2017. Most of the hotel (which will re-open in 2019 or 2020) is being converted into condominium apartments.

The following is an excerpt from a Waldorf Astoria press release giving an update on the renovations:

The Waldorf Astoria New York has released proposed plans for the meticulous restoration and revitalization of the historic property’s landmarked exterior and interior spaces. The plans, which were prepared by a world-class design team including leading architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR), were submitted today for public review by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The plans restore all landmarked spaces, ensuring the historic public and event spaces will be accessible for generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Waldorf Astoria New York
Waldorf Astoria New York’s renovated Park Avenue Foyer (Rendering courtesy of Waldorf Astoria)

This restoration is among the most complex and intensive landmark preservation efforts in New York City history. If approved, it will revive key elements of the Art Deco masterpiece that have been altered over time, providing an experience that reflects the hotel’s original intent while delivering an enhanced visitor experience by modernizing the building’s functional capability to a 21st Century standard of luxury.

The proposed restoration plan is part of a major renovation that will set a new standard for service in New York when The Waldorf re-opens in two to three years. The hotel will continue to be operated by Hilton as part of a 100-year management agreement.

Waldorf Astoria New York
Waldorf Astoria New York’s renovated lobby (Rendering courtesy of Waldorf Astoria)

SOM will lead the architectural design team for the project. The New York-based architecture firm has overseen restoration and adaptive reuse projects for several New York City landmarks, including Moynihan Train Hall, the General Electric Building headquarters and Lever House.

PYR will lead the interior design of the hotel, including its public and guest room areas. Since its founding in 1979, the firm has focused exclusively on five-star luxury hotels,  including the forthcoming Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills scheduled to open June 2017, fine dining restaurants and private residences. PYR’s interior design has helped preserve the spirit and design heritage of some of the world’s most iconic hotels.

Waldorf Astoria New York
Waldorf Astoria New York’s renovated Peacock Alley (Rendering courtesy of Waldorf Astoria)

In addition to historic public and event spaces restored to their original intent, the Waldorf will feature new guest rooms, suites and condominiums when it reopens.

Originally opened in 1893 on the present site of the Empire State Building, the Waldorf Astoria New York opened at its current Park Avenue location in 1931, was designated an official New York City landmark in 1993 and had its most important interior spaces landmarked in 2017.

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