New Plaza emerging from the old
The Plaza, an iconic presence at New York’s Fifth Avenue and Central Park since 1907, is being restored and will incorporate a 282 room hotel. The castle-like landmark was closed last year for a $350 million lobby-to-roof renovation and soon hopes to offer 182 private residences, a world class hotel with 282 rooms and suites, magnificently preserved and restored public spaces, and a collection of world-class boutiques and destination restaurants.
The structure is being returned to its former glory with meticulous attention to detail. For example, the firm that produced the Plaza’s original ceramic roof tiles is creating exact replicas to repair and restore the roofline, and a breathtaking 1,200-square-foot leaded stained-glass “laylight” is being built to replicate the original 1907 ceiling of the Palm Court.
“There will be extraordinary apartments overlooking Central Park and Fifth Avenue with layouts flowing from the contours of the historic building itself. The great public spaces, such as the Palm Court, Oak Bar, Oak Room and Grand Ballroom, accurately and thoughtfully restored, will continue to contribute to the life, vitality and grandeur of New York. We are giving new life to a storied concept, the Plaza as the grand palace of an urban democracy,” Mr. Naftali said.
The Plaza will open in 2007, in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
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