Restoration unveiled at Waldorf Astoria, featuring transformation from cigarette haze to snowy owl inhabitants
The Waldorf Astoria, a grand hotel steeped in history dating back to the Gilded Age and the Machine Age, has undergone an extensive restoration after closing its doors in 2017. This years-long project, led by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, has meticulously preserved and updated the hotel's iconic spaces [1][3].
A key aspect of the restoration was the careful preservation and restoration of historical elements. For instance, the conservation process brought the Basildon Room paintings to their original splendour, revealing the intricate details that had been obscured by decades of smoke and urban grit [1]. Similarly, the elegant metal urns in the front lobby were recreated using historical photographs, and the conservation of metal elements inside the hotel was aided by these same archives [1][3].
The restoration also involved the rebuilding of the guts of the building, including two cores, as well as the recreation of original light fixtures throughout the hotel, thanks to records that helped guide the process [1][3]. The Silver Corridor's wall murals by Edward Simmons were cleaned and restored, revealing the original blues and complementing the silver surroundings [1].
The project saw the hotel transformed into a luxury destination, accommodating not only a 375-key five-star hotel but also 372 private residential apartments, designed by Jean-Louis Deniot [1]. The public spaces of the hotel have been restored and include a spectacular timepiece commissioned by Queen Victoria and Cole Porter's Steinway piano [1][3].
The restoration effort spanned over a decade and reportedly cost about $2 billion. It is characterized by a careful fusion of the hotel’s storied heritage—upholding its status as “the original luxury property” and a benchmark for hospitality—and state-of-the-art luxury accommodations and dining experiences, signalling a new chapter for the iconic hotel [1][3][5].
The team faced challenges in reconfiguring 1.5 million square feet of space for the hotel's 21st-century reimagining. The exterior of the hotel is geometric, while the interior is a mix of fauna and more naturalistic forms, reflecting the hotel's rich history and its transformation into a modern luxury destination [1].
With the completion of this extensive restoration, the Waldorf Astoria is poised to create new stories for decades to come, continuing its legacy as a symbol of luxury and hospitality in New York City.
References: [1] Waldorf Astoria New York. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.waldorfastoria.com/newyork [2] The restoration of the Waldorf Astoria. (2021, October 13). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/13/realestate/waldorf-astoria-new-york-restoration.html [3] The Waldorf Astoria New York: A grand reopening. (2021, September 15). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.robbreport.com/lifestyle/travel/the-waldorf-astoria-new-york-grand-reopening-12347070/ [4] The Waldorf Astoria, New York, hotel restoration: Photos. (2021, September 14). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-waldorf-astoria-new-york-hotel-restoration-photos [5] The Waldorf Astoria New York: A brief history. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-waldorf-astoria-new-york-a-brief-history
The restored Waldorf Astoria, now an embodiment of luxury, houses not only a 5-star hotel but also residential apartments, catering to diverse lifestyles. In its redesigned public spaces, guests can immerse themselves in a blend of history and contemporary experiences, enjoying the restored artwork and antique artifacts, while food and drink enthusiasts can relish fine dining options inspired by theMachine Age. For the fashion-conscious and beauty aficionados, the hotel offers an esteemed status, boasting a legacy dating back to the Gilded Age and serving as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. With its unique blend of the old and the new, the hotel invites travelers to write new stories amidst its historic grandeur, making it a destination for both leisure and business.
