“Designated as both an individual and interior landmark, the Plaza Hotel’s elegant French Renaissance-style architecture, distinctive roofline, and prominent location have made it an iconic feature of the New York City skyline,” says Courtney Metakis, from the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission. “Its grand, public interiors have made it an enduring part of the city’s cultural identity for more than a century.” The commission did not comment further on the plans for the renovation or guidelines to keep in line with the commission’s protected status.
While this oversight is meant to preserve the history of the hotel in the event of, say, billionaire real estate developers encroaching in the vicinity of the building, it also can make restoration projects like this vastly more complicated. The commission will require the restoration process be carefully managed to preserve the integrity of the marble and any historical details. The hotel has enlisted Allison Doyle Partners (ADP) Architects for the job—the same firm that worked on the previous renovation of the interior architecture. Design firm HLZAE will oversee the façade’s masonry restoration in particular.
“The undertaking reflects the complexity of maintaining a property of such architectural and historical significance, with careful consideration given to preservation requirements and the building’s long-term care, as well as the safety of our guests, employees, and the wider community,” the hotel’s management said in a statement. “The scope and complexity of the façade works require detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders, alongside adherence to applicable historic preservation requirements. Further considerations relating to the planning and execution of the works remain under review as the process advances.”
