The Waldorf Astoria Renovation. Renderings by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Plans were submitted yesterday to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for a meticulous restoration and residential conversion of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. The Art-Deco building officially closed its doors on February 28th to make way for the renovations and will re-open in two to three years. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) are serving as the architects, which makes sense considering they've done other restorations like Moynihan Train Hall, the General Electric Building headquarters, and Lever House. Interiors, including the public and guest room areas, will be designed by the renowned Pierre-Yves Rochon. All in all, this should be good news for preservationists who were initially concerned the building would undergo a gut renovation and lose its Art-Deco elements.
“Protecting the spirit of this iconic property and reflecting its history through a modern, more forward-thinking lens will be at the heart of the hotel’s interior design.
— Pierre-Yves Rochon, Principal and Global Design Director, PYR.
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While the hotel became a landmark in 1993, some key elements of its interiors were only designated as landmarks earlier this month after plans for a condo conversion were proposed by the owner, Anbang Insurance Group, last year. It was reported that Anbang, who has since agreed to work with the LPC, planned to convert up to 1,100 rooms into residences and keep but upgrade the other 300-500 hotel rooms. These numbers may change but a Waldorf Astoria press release does maintain that when re-opened, the structure will feature new guest rooms, suites, and condominiums.
If the complex renovation is approved, the historic building will be restored to its former glory and ensure that future generations can enjoy a piece of history that is just as luxurious and functional as modern-day buildings. As part of a 100-year management agreement, the hotel will still be operated by Hilton.
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Sandra Herrera
Sandra Herrera is a writer, editor, and graphic designer based in Brooklyn, NY.
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