It’s been an official New York City iconic landmark since 1993, 100 years after its opening, a residence for royalty and celebrities including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, a playground for the elite of New York and beyond. The 625-foot, 47-floor Art Deco building occupies an entire block of prime real estate on Park Avenue. Renovations, which began in January 2016, will take two to three years to complete. “The Waldorf Astoria New York is part of the fabric of New York City," Anbang said in a written statement this week. "As stewards of this iconic landmark and its historic legacy, we are committed to restoring its public spaces to their original beauty, ensuring that the hotel retains its rightful place as a premier focal point for the city and a premier destination for the world.” Waldorf Astoria to close next year temporarily for renovations Part of the deal was that the hotel would undergo a much-needed renovation. Hilton made an agreement to manage the property for another 100 years. The hotel includes the popular Peacock Alley bar, the Bull and Bear steakhouse, and the upscale Chinese eatery La Chine. Hilton says that initial construction will be limited to areas of the hotel that are not landmarked or designated for potential landmark status. A public review process for those spaces is ongoing. Michael Romei, Chef Concierge of the Waldorf Towers, which include private residences, has been at the hotel for 23 years. In that time, he has met countless dignitaries and celebrities. “We will have more technology, more sophistication,” he says. “It’s going to be a super luxury landmark in the city. It always will be.”
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Author/PhotographerCHARLES PEARSON Archives
March 2017
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