Hospitality Design - September 2015 - 140

special feature

new york
The Gregory

> New York saw the opening
of the Gregory Hotel in 1903, an early 20th-century
staple in Herald Square that acted as an overflow
hotel for the Waldorf Astoria, while also catering
to those posh travelers looking for the authentic
New York experience. Seeking to revive that Old
World New York aesthetic, Bill Rooney Studio's
design "highlights the original classic elements
juxtaposed against a curated modern aesthetic,"
says founder and president Bill Rooney of the 132room hotel's $10 million renovation, a collaboration
between Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Asset
Value Enhancement (hotelAVE), and Meadow
Partners.
In the guestrooms, for example, a bright
contrast of black, white, and gray highlights
original architectural elements including bay windows, high ceilings, moldings,
and entry doors. A highly curated art collection that is composed of "modern
and graphic silhouettes illustrating vintage fashion and iconic imagery" and
vintage industrial sewing machines add "humor and interests to the rooms,"
explains Rooney. "The spaces possess an intimate scale and the well-appointed
modern environment, which highlights the charm and grace of the original
historic structure."
That's true on the ground floor as well, as guests are welcomed to the
intimate lobby by a rich walnut herringbone floor and white walls. Inspired by a
townhouse, different styles of furniture, including a masculine and midcenturyinspired desk, offer a peek into a bygone era, while an elegant chandelier
illuminates a wall clock.

The Marmara Park Avenue > When the Istanbul-based
owners of this 128-room flagship told New York designer Joe
Ginsberg they wanted the look and feel of a modern, high-end
Manhattan apartment for the conversion of a 1927 office tower, he
took the bait. "Everything was outsourced from the city itself," he
says. "Our desire for a warm and inviting environment inspired the
use of bronze, seamless limestone, fine wood, blown glass, mirrored
stainless steel, and other materials that create a luxurious and
tranquil atmosphere." As for the furnishings, Ginsberg designed
many of the pieces and had them fabricated by local artisans. Among
his favorites: the hotel's entranceway, a conservatory-like space
of faceted glass panels and blackened steel that leads, via a brassinlaid terrazzo floor, to a lobby with a "monolithic pair" of white
marble concierge desks (in lieu of standard-issue reception desks),
two overscaled fireplaces, soaring ceilings, and a water feature.
Guestrooms offer wood floors, accent pillows and sofas
in sapphire, peridot, and citron, and a graphic feature
wall-a mylar wallcovering of digitally manipulated
photos taken by Ginsberg of the city's Third Avenue
Bridge. For those looking for an extended stay, some
rooms include fold-up Murphy beds (convertible to
sofas), kitchens, and private terraces. A lobby bar,
small meeting facility, below-grade pool, and wellness
center complete the offerings of the hotel, which
opened this summer.

140

September 2015 hospitalitydesign.com
http://www.hospitalitydesign.com
Hospitality Design - September 2015

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