The Plaza Hotel in N.Y.C. Is Closing for the Next 4 Years to Restore Its Facade

Don’t expect to indulge in afternoon tea at the Plaza anytime soon.The iconic New York City hotel is closing its doors for at least the next four years to undergo renovations to its exterior. The process is expected to begin this upcoming January.“Understanding the unique place in New York City’s architectural heritage and cultural history it holds, the Plaza Hotel is advancing plans for repair and restoration works to its landmark-protected façade,” Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the Plaza’s operator, said in a press statement. “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 exact details on the complex work were not revealed. And while the hotel itself and its 282 rooms will be closed to guests, Fairmont did not say if residents living in the Plaza’s 181 condos—one of which listed for $8 million a few years back—would need to also leave the premises during the renovation.“The scope and complexity of the façade works require detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders, alongside adherence to applicable historic preservation requirements,” Fairmont said.The 18-story Plaza Hotel has been perched on Fifth Avenue since 1907 and was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, The New York Times reported. In the decades since, it has become a pivotal cultural piece of the Big Apple, known for housing many an acclaimed figure such as the Beatles, Christian Dior, and more. It has had its moments on the big screen, too, starring in movies such as The Way We Were, The Great Gatsby (2013), and, of course, Eloise at the Plaza. The esteemed address has had renovations before, most recently in 2005, when the icon was partly converted into condos. Another effect of the restoration, as we mentioned, is the closure of Palm Court, which has hosted afternoon tea for more than 100 years.The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union, which oversees the 378 staff members working at the Plaza, will be attempting to place them in different jobs, The New York Times reported. Here’s hoping the project doesn’t extend far beyond 2031. Authors Nicole Hoey Digital Editor Nicole Hoey is Robb Report's digital editor. While studying at Boston University, she read, wrote and read some more as an English and journalism major. A class taught by a Boston Globe copy editor… Read More