The Peninsula New York: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Hotel in Manhattan, New York}} |
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{{coord|40|45|41.56|N|73|58|30.14|W|display=title}} |
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{{good article}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} |
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{{Use American English|date=March 2024}} |
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{{Infobox hotel |
{{Infobox hotel |
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| hotel_name =The Peninsula New York |
| hotel_name = The Peninsula New York |
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| former_names = Gotham Hotel, Nova Park Gotham,{{efn|name=nova-park|Although the hotel was known as the Nova Park Gotham from 1981 to 1986, it never operated under this name, as the hotel was closed for the entirety of that period.}} Hotel Maxim's de Paris |
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| image =The Peninsula New York Entrance.jpg |
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| image = The Peninsula New York Entrance.jpg |
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| image_width =275 |
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| caption = |
| caption = Entrance to the hotel on [[55th Street (Manhattan)|55th Street]] |
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| location = 700 [[Fifth Avenue |
| location = 700 [[Fifth Avenue]]<br />[[Manhattan]], [[New York City]] |
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| mapframe-wikidata = yes |
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| pushpin_map = USA New York City |
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| coordinates = {{Coord|40|45|42|N|73|58|31|W|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline,title}} |
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| latd =40 | latm =45 | lats =41.62 | latNS =N |
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| opened_date = 1905 |
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| longd=73 | longm=58 | longs=31 | longEW=W |
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| |
| renovation_date = 1981–1987 |
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| opening_date = October 1988 |
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| stars = |
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| closing_date = |
| closing_date = |
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| developer = |
| developer = |
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| architect = [[Hiss and |
| architect = [[Hiss and Weekes]] |
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| operator = |
| operator = [[The Peninsula Hotels]] |
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| owner = [[Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels|The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited]]<ref name="TPH">{{cite web |title=The Peninsula Hotels |publisher=The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited |url=http://www.hshgroup.com/en/Our-Businesses/Hotels |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317104631/http://www.hshgroup.com/en/our-businesses/hotels |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| owner = [[Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels]] |
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| number_of_restaurants = 3 + 1 |
| number_of_restaurants = 3 (+ 1 bar) |
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| number_of_rooms = 241 |
| number_of_rooms = 241 |
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| number_of_suites = |
| number_of_suites = 50 |
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| floor_area = |
| floor_area = |
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| floors = 23 |
| floors = 23 |
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| parking = |
| parking = |
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| website = http://www.peninsula.com/ |
| website = {{URL|http://www.peninsula.com/new-york}} |
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| |
| embedded = {{Infobox historic site |
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|embed = yes |
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|designation1 = NYCL |
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|designation1_date = June 6, 1989 |
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|designation1_number = [http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1697.pdf 1697] |
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}} |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:USA-NYC-The Peninsula.JPG|thumb|245px|The Peninsula New York]] |
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'''The Peninsula New York''' is a luxury hotel |
'''The Peninsula New York''' is a historic [[luxury hotel]] at the corner of [[Fifth Avenue]] and [[55th Street (Manhattan)|55th Street]] in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]]. Built in 1905 as the '''Gotham Hotel''', the structure was designed by [[Hiss and Weekes]] in the [[neo-classical style|neoclassical style]]. The hotel is part of [[the Peninsula Hotels]] group, which is owned by [[Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels]] (HSH). The structure is 23 stories high and, {{as of| 2022|lc=y}}, contains 241 rooms. |
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The facade, made of limestone and granite, was intended to complement the neighboring [[University Club of New York]] building. It is divided horizontally into a base, shaft, and [[Capital (architecture)|capital]]. A three-story glass penthouse, completed in the 1980s to designs by Stephen B. Jacobs, rises above the original roof and contains the hotel's pool and fitness center. The lower stories contain two restaurants, a lobby, and various other rooms across multiple levels. The hotel originally had 400 guestrooms, although this was downsized in the 1980s to 250 rooms, including a multi-room presidential suite near the roof. |
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==Location== |
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The Peninsula Hotel is located on the corner of [[Fifth Avenue]] and [[55th Street (Manhattan)|55th Street]]. This being the most expensive street in the world, a number of flagship stores are nearby. These include [[De Beers]], [[Fendi]], [[Armani]], [[Prada]] and [[Abercrombie & Fitch]]. Some tourist attractions near the hotel include [[Rockefeller center]], [[St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York)|St. Patrick's Cathedral]] and [[Radio City Music Hall]]. The closest Subway station to the hotel is [[Lexington Avenue / 51st – 53rd Streets (New York City Subway)|Lexington Avenue Station]] located on East 53rd street.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peninsula.com/New_York/en/Media_Room/Accolades/default.aspx|title= New York Peninsula|publisher =peninsula.com|date=March 2011 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> |
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The 55th Street Company acquired the site in April 1902 and developed the Gotham Hotel, which opened on October 1, 1905. The hotel was sold in 1908 after several failed attempts to procure a liquor license, and it was resold several times over the next three decades. The Gotham was acquired in 1932 by the [[Metropolitan Life Insurance Company]], which added ground-level storefronts in 1938 and continued to own the hotel until 1944. The Gotham was resold several more times in the 1950s and 1960s before [[Sol Goldman]] and Alex DiLorenzo acquired it in 1965. Rene Hatt leased the Gotham in 1979 and attempted to renovate it into the '''Nova Park Gotham''',{{efn|name=nova-park}} but he gave up his lease in 1984 following several lawsuits and financial issues. A joint venture of several companies completed the renovation and reopened the hotel in November 1987 as the '''Hotel Maxim's de Paris''', an outpost of Parisian restaurant [[Maxim's Paris|Maxim's]]. HSH acquired the hotel's lease in 1989, renaming it the Peninsula New York, and renovated the hotel again in 1998. |
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==History== |
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The hotel was built in 1905 as the '''Gotham Hotel'''. It is designed in the neo-classical style. It went into bankruptcy in 1908 partly because it could not acquire a liquor license as it was too close to [[Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church|The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church]] and also as it was overshadowed by more luxurious hotels like [[the Plaza Hotel]] just a few blocks north and the [[St. Regis Hotel|St. Regis]] just across the street from the Gotham.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E7D6123FF930A35752C0A96F958260|title= Gotham Hotel|publisher =nytimes.com|date=January 3, 1999 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=16099|title= Hidden Gems|publisher =hotelinteractive.com|date=February 3, 2009 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> The hotel was acquired in the 1930s by the [[Metropolitan Life Insurance Company]]. As they needed the maximum amount of floor area the company tore out many of the public rooms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E7D6123FF930A35752C0A96F958260|title= Metropolitan Life Insurance Company|publisher =nytimes.com|date=January 3, 1999 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> In 1979, the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] hotel owner Rene Hatt took over the hotel and started a long renovation process, intending to reopen it as the '''Nova Park Hotel''' . It was this renovation which added the hotel's rooftop pool and fitness centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E7D6123FF930A35752C0A96F958260|title= Rene Hart|publisher =nytimes.com|date=January 3, 1999 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref>The Nova Park plan failed, and the hotel was finally reopened in 1987, after $200 million in work, as the '''Hotel Maxim's de Paris''', an outpost of the famed Paris restaurant [[Maxim's Paris|Maxim's]]. That enterprise quickly failed, and the hotel was sold again in 1988 to its current owners, [[the Peninsula Hotels]]. They spent $45 million on a second renovation in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E7D6123FF930A35752C0A96F958260|title= The Peninsula Renovation|publisher =nytimes.com|date=January 3, 1999 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> |
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== Site == |
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The Peninsula New York is in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]]. It is on the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue to the east and 55th Street to the north.<ref name="aia5">{{cite aia5|pages=334}}</ref><ref name="ZoLa" /> The land lot is rectangular and covers {{cvt|12,552|ft2}}, with a [[frontage]] of {{cvt|100|ft}} on Fifth Avenue and a depth of {{cvt|125|ft}} along 55th Street.<ref name="ZoLa">{{Cite web |title=696 5 Avenue, 10019 |url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1270/38 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |publisher=[[New York City Department of City Planning]] |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219193246/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1270/38 |url-status=live }}</ref> To the west and south, the hotel is surrounded by the clubhouse of the [[University Club of New York]]. The site shares the block with [[5 West 54th Street|5]], [[7 West 54th Street|7]], [[11 West 54th Street|9–11]], [[13 and 15 West 54th Street]]; [[46 West 55th Street]]; and the [[Rockefeller Apartments]] to the west.<ref name="ZoLa" /><ref name="aia52">{{cite aia5|page=333}}</ref> The hotel is also near the [[Museum of Modern Art]] to the south; [[Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church]] and [[712 Fifth Avenue]] to the north; [[550 Madison Avenue]] to the northeast; the [[St. Regis New York]] hotel to the east; and [[689 Fifth Avenue]] to the southeast.<ref name="ZoLa" /> |
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[[John William Warde]] was a 26-year-old native of [[Southampton (town), New York|Southampton]], [[New York]] who committed suicide on July 26, 1938. He leaped from a window ledge of the 17th floor of the Gotham Hotel. This case of suicide is famous because an estimated crowd of 10,000 gathered below to watch the events and 400 police officers were also present to try and convince him to come back inside.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,931463,00.html|title= Jogn William Warde|publisher =time.com|date= August 8, 1938 |accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> The motion picture, [[Fourteen Hours]] which was made in 1951 is based on the events of that day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043560/|title= Fourteen Hours|publisher =imdb.com|accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> |
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== Architecture == |
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The hotel was built in 1905 as the '''Gotham Hotel''' and was designed by [[Hiss and Weekes]] in the [[Italian Renaissance Revival]] style.<ref name="aia5" /><ref name="nyt-1999-01-03">{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=January 3, 1999 |title=Streetscapes / The Old Gotham Hotel, Now the Peninsula New York; A History Shaped, In Part, By State Liquor Laws |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-old-gotham-hotel-now-peninsula-new-york-history-shaped-part-state.html |access-date=December 18, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218230626/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-old-gotham-hotel-now-peninsula-new-york-history-shaped-part-state.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The hotel building is shaped like a "C" and is arranged around a [[light court]] that faces the University Club building to the south.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> |
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The hotel offers a limousine transfer service to New York's three main airports; [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]], [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] and [[LaGuardia Airport]]. For these transfers there is a choice between limousines or [[Mini Clubman]]s. |
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=== Facade === |
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The six function rooms have a combined floor area of 3,500 sq ft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/New_York/en/Visiting_For/Business/Meetings_and_Events/|title= The Peninsula New York |publisher =peninsula.com|accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> The hotel has three restaurants; Salon De Ning who specialize in [[Chinese food]], the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Clement, named after The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited CEO Mr Clement Kwok, and the Gotham Lounge named after the hotel's original name.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peninsula.com/Chicago/en/Dining/The_Lobby/default.aspx#/New_York/en/Dining/|title= Dining at The Peninsula|publisher =peninsula.com|date=March 2011|accessdate=March 6, 2011}}</ref> |
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The facade was made of limestone and granite to complement the neighboring University Club building.<ref name="aia5" /><ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> The facade is divided vertically into five [[Bay (architecture)|bays]] on Fifth Avenue and six bays on 55th Street. Similar to other Beaux-Arts buildings, the facade is divided into three horizontal sections similar to the components of a [[column]], namely a base, shaft, and [[Capital (architecture)|capital]].<ref name="NYCL p. 4">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=4}}</ref> Despite its sturdy-looking appearance, the facade is actually a [[Curtain wall (architecture)|curtain wall]] hung from the building's steel [[superstructure]].<ref name="nyt-1998-11-25">{{Cite news |last=Holusha |first=John |date=November 25, 1998 |title=Commercial Real Estate; Despite Strong Business, Luxury Hotel Renovates |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/25/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-despite-strong-business-luxury-hotel-renovates.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012237/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/25/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-despite-strong-business-luxury-hotel-renovates.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Originally, the hotel was 19 stories high and rose {{cvt|254|ft}} above the sidewalk.<ref name="ABM p. 48">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|p=48}}</ref> After a renovation in the 1980s, the hotel had 23 stories.<ref name="p292652720">{{cite news |last=Ryon |first=Ruth |date=November 22, 1987 |title=Major Realty Deals Close Despite Wall Street Crash |page=1 |work=Los Angeles Times |id={{ProQuest|292652720}}}}</ref> |
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[[File:5 Av Dec 2022 44.jpg|thumb|Stores at the base of the hotel|left]] |
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The Fitness Centre at the Peninsula New York is located at the top floor. The pool is in a glass enclosed room and during the summer a sundeck is available. The Spa at the Peninsula is one of the biggest in [[New York City]] with a floor area of {{convert|35000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} spaced out over three floors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spas.about.com/b/2009/01/09/the-peninsula-new-york-opens-new-spa.htm|title= New York Peninsula Spa|publisher =ask.com.|date=January 9, 2009|accessdate=March 7, 2011}}</ref> |
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==== Base ==== |
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The base of the hotel is three stories high; the first two stories were originally one double-height level.<ref name="NYCL p. 4" /><ref name="ABM p. 48" /> Along the base is a series of triple-height [[Pier (architecture)|piers]] made of [[Rustication (architecture)|rusticated]] blocks, which in turn form an arcade that wraps around both Fifth Avenue and 55th Street. On Fifth Avenue and the easternmost part of the 55th Street elevation, the first story contains flat-arched openings, while the second story contains round arches. There was originally a balustrade facing Fifth Avenue, which was removed after 1908 when the avenue was widened. There are shields with festoons above the second-story windows. The third story contains rectangular windows that are recessed from the facade and contain carved [[soffit]]s. The [[entablature]] above the third story was intended to be a continuation of the [[cornice]] above the [[University Club of New York#Facade|University Club's first tier]].<ref name="NYCL p. 4" /> |
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*In the 1969 film ''[[Midnight Cowboy]]'', the 'Berkely Hotel' in the film was shot at the Peninsula New York before the renovation in 1979.<ref name="Berkeley Hotel (Midnight Cowboy)">{{cite web | url=http://www.movielocationsguide.com/Midnight_Cowboy/filming_locations/Berkeley_Peninsula_Hotel.php | title=Midnight Cowboy Filming Locations | publisher=movielocationsguide.com | accessdate=August 11, 2012}}</ref> |
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*In the 2003 novel ''[[The King of Torts]]'' by [[John Grisham]], protagonist Clay Carter stays in this hotel when he is in New York City. |
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The hotel's main entrance is at the center of the 55th Street elevation and is placed within a rectangular opening. Above the doorway is a [[Segmental arch|segmentally-arched]] broken pediment, which contains swags and a pair of sculptures on either side of a circular window. The sculptures depict the ancient goddesses [[Ceres (mythology)|Ceres]] and [[Diana (mythology)|Diana]]. The doorway is flanked by large [[engaged column]]s in the [[Ionic order]], placed atop pedestals. The columns are ornamented with vertical [[Fluting (architecture)|fluting]] and horizontal bands, and they support an entablature at the third floor. There are three bays of windows on either side of the 55th Street entrance. The two easternmost bays contain storefronts, while the other four bays contain double-height openings.<ref name="NYCL p. 4" /> |
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==See also== |
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*[[The Peninsula Chicago]] |
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*[[The Peninsula Bangkok]] |
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*[[The Peninsula Hong Kong]] |
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==== Upper stories ==== |
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==References== |
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[[File:5 Av Dec 2022 27.jpg|thumb|Upper stories as seen from 55th Street]] |
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'''Notes''' |
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Above the base, the hotel building's windows are all rectangular.<ref name="NYCL p. 4" /> The 4th to 6th stories are clad with rusticated blocks and are treated as a transitional story. There are small pilasters above each of the 4th-story windows, which carry an entablature above the 4th story. In addition, the 5th-story windows are surrounded by large frames and topped by either segmentally-arched or triangular pediments. The 6th-story windows generally have simple frames, except in the outermost bays, which have elaborate surrounds.<ref name="NYCL pp. 4–5">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|pp=4–5}}</ref> There is a cornice above the 6th story, which is designed as a continuation of the cornice above the University Club's second tier.<ref name="NYCL p. 5">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=5}}</ref> |
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On the 7th through 16th stories, only the outermost bays are rusticated, while the center bays contain a facade of smooth [[ashlar]]. The outermost sections of the Fifth Avenue and 55th Street elevations contain two windows per story on each corner.<ref name="ABM p. 48" /><ref name="NYCL p. 5" /> On both elevations, there are heavy scrolled brackets in front of the three center bays, which support a balcony. The balconies originally had iron balustrades and were intended to correspond with the University Club's cornice.<ref name="NYCL p. 5" /> Above the 15th story is a cornice with [[Garland (decoration)|garlands]], above which rises the capital.<ref name="NYCL p. 5" /> There are [[Bracket (architecture)|brackets]] and [[corbel]]s at the 16th story,<ref name="ABM p. 48" /><ref name="NYCL p. 5" /> above which is a double-height arcade on the 17th and 18th stories. The arcade contains circular windows with wreaths, as well as shields with garlands; its design was meant to visually complement the arcade at the base. The entablature at the hotel's roof is made of copper.<ref name="NYCL p. 5" /> |
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The western and southern elevations are plain in design, with rectangular windows on a limestone-colored facade. The facade of the western elevation is rusticated above the 15th story, and the southwestern corner of the building contains a light court. The southern elevation contains a large light court at its center; at the 15th and 17th stories, horizontal braces cut across the light court. There is a copper entablature at the top of the southern elevation.<ref name="NYCL p. 5" /> A three-story glass [[Penthouse apartment|penthouse]], completed in the 1980s to designs by Stephen B. Jacobs, rises above the original roof.<ref name="NYCL p. 5" /><ref name="nyt-1982-05-30">{{Cite news |date=May 30, 1982 |title=Postings; Using the Roof |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/30/realestate/postings-using-the-roof.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221211310/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/30/realestate/postings-using-the-roof.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The penthouse, which consists of an angled framework, is not easily visible from street level.<ref name="nyt-1982-05-30" /> |
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=== Interior === |
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The hotel was built with four elevators, which were clustered at the center of the building. There were also three staircases: one near the elevators, and an enclosed [[fire escape]] at the end of either wing. One of the fire escapes was intended for servants' use.<ref name="ABM p. 48" /> Above the ground floor, the hotel was designed as a fireproof structure; the door frames and window frames were made of [[asbestos]], and the doors themselves were made of wire glass. The hotel building also had fire alarms, which were relatively novel features when the Gotham opened in the 1900s.<ref name="ABM p. 54" /> The Gotham also contained [[dumbwaiter]]s, a [[pneumatic tube]] system, and a system of pipes for vacuum cleaning.<ref name="ABM p. 84">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|p=84}}</ref> |
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==== Public rooms ==== |
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===== Basements ===== |
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The hotel also had two basement levels. One of these basements contained the hotel's kitchen and commissary department, directly beneath the dining room.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> The basements contained a laundry room, a refrigeration plant, and a garbage-disposal machine.<ref name="ABM p. 83">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|p=83}}</ref> The garbage disposal was directly beneath the hotel's kitchen.<ref name="ABM pp. 83–84">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|pp=83–84}}</ref> Also in the basement was a bar, which was not open to the public at the time of the hotel's opening in 1905.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> This bar had a [[coffered ceiling]] and was designed in a Renaissance style.<ref name="ABM p. 52" /> At the time of the hotel's opening, New York state law restricted bars that operated within {{cvt|200|ft}} of a church's entrance; this law was technically still in effect at the end of the 1990s, but a looser interpretation of the law allowed a bar to operate within the modern-day hotel. Access to the Peninsula New York's cocktail lounge involves traversing a flight of stairs and a narrow hallway, so the walking distance from the cocktail lounge to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church was more than 200 feet.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> |
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==== First story ==== |
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The ground-floor public rooms were double-height spaces.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> The Gotham Hotel was not built with a public lobby.<ref name="ABM p. 48" /><ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> Instead, two revolving doors on 55th Street led to the foyer, a square space with Caen stone walls and columns,<ref name="ABM p. 48" /><ref name="TL p. 136">{{harvnb|Tauranac|1985|ps=.|page=136}}</ref> a brown-and-gold ceiling, and a bronze chandelier.<ref name="ABM p. 48" /> To the right of the foyer was the hotel's office and the writing room, while to the left was an iron-and-glass partition that separated the foyer from the original dining room.<ref name="ABM p. 48" /> The writing room was decorated in red, gold, and green and led to a telephone and telegraph room,<ref name="ABM p. 52" /> as well as a stairway leading to a bar in the basement.<ref name="ABM p. 52" /><ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> Next to the writing room was a hallway, which had its own entrance on 55th Street and led to the original ballroom on the second floor.<ref name="ABM pp. 52–54">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|pp=52, 54}}</ref> A square [[Palm court|palm room]] connected the writing room with a dining room.<ref name="ABM pp. 48–52">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|pp=48, 52}}</ref> The palm room had marble columns with [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] capitals; a leaded-glass skylight with green panels; and a bronze chandelier.<ref name="TL p. 136" /><ref name="ABM pp. 48–52" /> |
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The dining room measured {{cvt|40|by|100|ft}} across, with a ceiling measuring {{cvt|22|ft}} high,<ref name="ABM p. 52">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|p=52}}</ref><ref name="TL p. 136" /> and had seats for 400 people.<ref name="p571722342" /> Modeled after the [[Doge's Palace]] in Venice,<ref name="p571722342" /> it was decorated in green and red, with walnut [[wainscoting]], as well as columns supporting a [[coffered ceiling]].<ref name="ABM p. 52" /><ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> The dining room also had [[French door]]s leading to an outdoor terrace facing Fifth Avenue.<ref name="ABM p. 52" /><ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> The original furniture was designed in the [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] style.<ref name="p571722342" /> Most of the original dining room was demolished in May 1938, when five storefronts were constructed along Fifth Avenue; the original office was converted to a new dining room at that time.<ref name="p1251070605">{{cite news |date=May 19, 1938 |title=Gotham Hotel Gi Ves Avenue Front to Stores: Replaces Its Renaissance Room With Five Shops; Preserves Ceiling Designed by Stanford White |page=34 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1251070605}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1938-05-19">{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Lee E. |date=May 19, 1938 |title=Changes Are Planned in Old Hotel Gotham To Provide New Row of Fifth Avenue Shops |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/05/19/archives/changes-are-planned-in-old-hotel-gotham-to-provide-new-row-of-fifth.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220232016/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/05/19/archives/changes-are-planned-in-old-hotel-gotham-to-provide-new-row-of-fifth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===== Second and third stories ===== |
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As a result of the mid-20th-century modifications, the modern hotel's lobby is on the second floor, above the storefronts.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> The lobby was described as having a double stair and a chandelier hanging from a Renaissance-style ceiling.<ref name="p307483375">{{cite news |last=Yeadon |first=David |date=January 12, 1992 |title=In Manhattan; Suite Sensations; For a Price: 10 Bouncing 'Baby Grands' |page=E01 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|307483375}}}}</ref> The Peninsula New York has a small lobby to discourage loitering.<ref name="p1313977842" /> Because of the small size of the site, the lobby, lounges, and reception desk are on different levels.<ref name="p1313977842">{{Cite news |last=Immen |first=Wallace |date=October 25, 1989 |title=Gotham Ghost Now a Palace of Hospitality |page=C1 |work=The Globe and Mail |id={{ProQuest|1313977842}}}}</ref><ref name="p398936819">{{cite news |last=Landro |first=Laura |date=December 21, 2001 |title=The Finicky Traveler: A Tale of Two Peninsulas --- Service Shines, But It Doesn't Overcome Poor Layouts: The Oatmeal Surprise |page=W6 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|398936819}}}}</ref> |
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The second floor contained a women's parlor and a ballroom.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /><ref name="p571722342" /> The ballroom was a double-height space decorated in gray and gold, with a [[coved ceiling]] containing [[fresco]]es of various cupids.<ref name="ABM p. 54">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|p=54}}</ref> Following the hotel's 1980s renovation, the second floor contained a dining room with 76 seats, a bistro with 38 seats, and a cocktail lounge with 36 seats.<ref name="p292652720" /> The various parlors were designed in a [[Belle Époque]] style.<ref name="p307483375" /> During the 1990s, the Peninsula's restaurants were known as the Adrienne and Le Bistro and contained floral decorations. The restaurants were redecorated in beige and black in 1998.<ref name="p109889897">{{cite news |last=Fabricant |first=Florence |date=November 11, 1998 |title=A Hotel Updated |page=F17 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|109889897}}}}</ref> By the 2010s, the restaurant spaces were occupied by the [[Yabu Pushelberg]]-designed Clement Restaurant and Bar (named after [[Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels]] CEO Clement Kwok) and the Gotham Lounge.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 2011 |title=Dining at The Peninsula |url=http://newyork.peninsula.com/en/fine-dining |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=peninsula.com |archive-date=March 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315045714/http://newyork.peninsula.com/en/fine-dining |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The third floor was devoted to private dining rooms.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> The event spaces could fit meetings, weddings, dinners, and parties with up to 250 guests.<ref name="p221558174">{{Cite magazine |date=May 1989 |title=The Peninsula New York |magazine=Institutional Investor |volume=23 |issue=6 |page=A23 |id={{ProQuest|221558174}}}}</ref> By the 21st century, there were five function rooms with a combined floor area of {{cvt|3300|sqft}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Peninsula New York |url=http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/New_York/en/Visiting_For/Business/Meetings_and_Events/ |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=peninsula.com |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070435/http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/New_York/en/Visiting_For/Business/Meetings_and_Events/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Guestrooms ==== |
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Originally, the larger suites were placed on the exterior of the "C", facing the streets; the single rooms were placed on the interior and faced the light court.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /><ref name="ABM pp. 45–48">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|pp=45, 48}}</ref> The hotel had 400 guestrooms at its opening, consisting of both single rooms and en-suite units.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /><ref name="TL p. 136" /> Each guestroom had its own bath.<ref name="TL p. 136" /> The original rooms included mahogany furniture and brass bed frames; white trim; and carpets and wallpaper in various colors. Every guestroom and suite had its own bathroom and closet.<ref name="ABM p. 56">{{harvnb|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905|ps=.|p=56}}</ref> The dumbwaiters connected with butlers' pantries that were adjacent to each suite.<ref name="TL p. 136" /> |
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When the hotel was renovated in the 1980s, it was supposed to contain 255 units, including 109 rooms with single and double beds, as well as 145 larger suites. The hotel also contained a presidential suite measuring {{cvt|3230|ft2}} with a kitchen, study, conference room, and a room for security staff.<ref name="nyt-1983-05-18">{{Cite news |last=Daniels |first=Lee A. |date=May 18, 1983 |title=About Real Estate; Emphasis on Psychology at a Luxury Hotel in City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/18/business/about-real-estate-emphasis-on-psychology-at-a-luxury-hotel-in-city.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221211301/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/18/business/about-real-estate-emphasis-on-psychology-at-a-luxury-hotel-in-city.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the late 1980s, the Peninsula New York contained 250 units, including the presidential suite and 30 additional suites.<ref name="p221558174" /><ref name="nyt-1988-08-26" /> The presidential suite was known as the Peninsula Suite after a renovation in the early 2010s.<ref name="p1432155943">{{cite magazine |last=Fickenscher |first=Lisa |date=September 9, 2013 |title=Hotels Ramp up Race to Woo Superrich to High-End Suites |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=29 |issue=36 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|1432155943}}}}</ref> |
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The rooms were renovated in the 1980s with burgundy, gold, and black decorations, as well as purple bathtubs beside the beds. These were removed in 1986 before the hotel reopened as the Maxim's de Paris.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-24">{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=Richard D. |date=August 24, 1986 |title=Gotham Restoration Is on Again |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/24/realestate/gotham-restoration-is-on-again.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233940/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/24/realestate/gotham-restoration-is-on-again.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Maxim's bathrooms were clad in [[travertine]], while the bedrooms contained wood-cherry paneling with ebony inlays.<ref name="p816589184">{{cite news |last=Sutton |first=Horace |date=December 6, 1987 |title=Spruced-Up New York Hotels Spell It 'Elegance' |page=H9 |work=Los Angeles Times |id={{ProQuest|816589184}}}}</ref> When the hotel became the Peninsula New York, the rooms were redecorated in the [[Art Nouveau]] style.<ref name="p307483375" /><ref name="p1313977842" /><ref name="p221558174" /> During a 1998 renovation, the rooms were further modified to include electronic control panels near each bed; a desk for computers and telephones; and larger, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.<ref name="nyt-1998-11-25" /> In addition, the hotel was redecorated in a gold, cream, and black color scheme, with paintings by [[Robert Motherwell]] and [[Helen Frankenthaler]].<ref name="nyt-1998-12-20">{{Cite news |last=Trucco |first=Terry |date=December 20, 1998 |title=Travel Advisory; The Peninsula Hotel: A Touch of Hong Kong |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/20/travel/travel-advisory-the-peninsula-hotel-a-touch-of-hong-kong.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012234/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/20/travel/travel-advisory-the-peninsula-hotel-a-touch-of-hong-kong.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Fitness center ==== |
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The [[Health club|fitness center]] at the hotel is located on the 22nd floor.<ref name="Oyster.com 2016">{{cite web | title=The Peninsula New York Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay | website=Oyster.com | date=March 3, 2016 | url=https://www.oyster.com/new-york-city/hotels/the-peninsula-new-york/ | access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref> The pool is in a glass-enclosed room; during the summer, a sundeck is available. The hotel's [[spa]] spans {{cvt|35000|sqft|m2}} over three floors.<ref name="NYCgo.com">{{cite web | title=The Peninsula Spa | website=NYCgo.com | url=https://www.nycgo.com/venues/the-peninsula-spa | access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Luxury Travel Magazine">{{cite web | title=The Peninsula New York Opens New Tri-Level Luxury Spa | website=Luxury Travel Magazine | date=January 16, 2009 | url=https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/the-peninsula-new-york-opens-new-tri-level-luxury-hotel-spa | access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref> The spa contains 12 treatment rooms, a steam room, and an Asian lounge among other features.<ref name="Luxury Travel Magazine" /> The hotel's pool, measuring {{convert|42|ft}} long and ranging from {{convert|3.5|to|5.5|ft}} deep,<ref name="Oyster.com 2016" /> was installed in the early 1980s and originally contained a wave-making machine.<ref name="p425249791" /><ref name="nyt-1986-08-24" /> In the 1990s, children could use the hotel's pool during the morning and early afternoon, but the pool and other fitness facilities were restricted to adults during other times.<ref name="nyt-1996-03-24">{{Cite news |last=Hauser |first=Susan G. |date=March 24, 1996 |title=Life in the Lap Lane: New York Hotel Pools |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/24/travel/life-in-the-lap-lane-new-york-hotel-pools.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012235/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/24/travel/life-in-the-lap-lane-new-york-hotel-pools.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The health club also contained a running track and juice bar.<ref name="p292652720" /> By 2000, the hotel employed trainers who, for a fee, could accompany guests who wished to jog in the nearby [[Central Park]].<ref name="p398792515">{{Cite news |last=Keates |first=Nancy |date=March 31, 2000 |title=Hotels Are Lobbying to Draw Joggers With Everything From Shoes to Guides |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB954468878875875987 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012234/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB954468878875875987 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the hotel was acquired by the Peninsula chain, the roof included a terrace called the Pen-Top Lounge.<ref name="p307483375" /><ref name="nyt-1994-01-14">{{Cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Jan |date=January 14, 1994 |title=Wanderlust for a Cozy New York Hotel Bar |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/14/arts/wanderlust-for-a-cozy-new-york-hotel-bar.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218230628/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/14/arts/wanderlust-for-a-cozy-new-york-hotel-bar.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pen-Top was closed in 2008 and replaced with Salon de Ning.<ref name="Street Teclemariam Crowley 2008">{{cite web |last1=Teclemariam |first1=Tammie |last2=Crowley |first2=Chris |date=May 16, 2008 |title=A First Look at Salon De Ning, Opening Tonight |url=https://www.grubstreet.com/2008/05/a_first_look_at_salon_de_ning.html |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Grub Street |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223005453/https://www.grubstreet.com/2008/05/a_first_look_at_salon_de_ning.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== History == |
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[[File:PNY Exterior with Rolls Royce.jpg|thumb|Hotel entrance]] |
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[[Fifth Avenue]] between 42nd Street and [[Central Park South]] (59th Street) was relatively undeveloped through the late 19th century,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bridges |first=William |title=Map of the City of New York and Island of Manhattan; With Explanatory Remarks and References |date=1811 |publisher=T&J Swords |hdl=2027/nnc2.ark:/13960/t6ww9pp9g |oclc=40023003}}</ref> and many row houses were developed on the avenue.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1534.pdf |title=714 Fifth Avenue |date=January 29, 1985 |publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] |page=5 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225120819/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1534.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> By the early 1900s, that section of Fifth Avenue was becoming a commercial area.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 6, 1907 |title=Mr. Edward Harriman... |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/pdf_files/ldpd_7031148_039_15.pdf |url-status=live |journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide |volume=79 |pages=296 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116152948/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/pdf_files/ldpd_7031148_039_15.pdf |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]] |number=2038}}</ref> The southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street was part of the old campus of [[Mount Sinai Morningside|St. Luke's Hospital]],<ref>{{Cite morningside |page=84}}</ref> which had moved to [[Morningside Heights, Manhattan]], in 1893.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 2, 1893 |title=The Hospital Property; What Real Estate Men Say Of The St. Luke's Sale |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1893/06/02/archives/the-hospital-property-what-real-estate-men-say-of-the-st-lukes-sale.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225011029/https://www.nytimes.com/1893/06/02/archives/the-hospital-property-what-real-estate-men-say-of-the-st-lukes-sale.html |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The southern part of the St. Luke's site became the University Club's clubhouse, completed in 1900.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1899 |title=University Club's New Home; One of the Finest Houses in the City to Be Opened Wednesday. |language=en-US |page=8 |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1899/05/14/100443497.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711093822/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1899/05/14/100443497.pdf |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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=== Development === |
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The site at the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street was sold twice in 1901. The first time it was sold, the seller received $575,000.<ref name="TL p. 136" /> Jeremiah C. Lyons resold the building in September 1901,<ref name="nyt-1901-09-19" /> when a syndicate of investors bought it for $700,000.<ref name="TL p. 136" /><ref name="nyt-1901-09-19">{{Cite news |date=September 19, 1901 |title=In the Real Estate Field; J.C. Lyons Sells Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Fifth Street Corner |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1901/09/19/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-jc-lyons-sells-fifth-avenue-and-fiftyfifth.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219200924/https://www.nytimes.com/1901/09/19/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-jc-lyons-sells-fifth-avenue-and-fiftyfifth.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The buyers, Henry L. Goodwin and Henry R. Hoyt, resold the property in April 1902 to the newly formed 55th Street Company, of which Goodwin was a chief executive. The 55th Street Company announced that it would develop a 18-story hotel on the site. The building would be designed by [[Hiss and Weekes]] and constructed by the General Building and Construction Company at a cost of $3.5 million.<ref name="p571198741">{{cite news |date=April 19, 1902 |title=New Fifth-Ave. Hotels: One of the Costliest to Go Up on the Southwest Corner of Fifty-Fifth-St. |page=1 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|571198741}}}}</ref><ref name="p96205236">{{cite news |date=April 19, 1902 |title=Y.M.C.A.'s Big Banquet: Organization's Jubilee Celebrated at Grand Central Palace. All the Manhattan Branches Foregather Amid Scenes of Great Enthusiasm – Debt Practically Wiped Out. |page=8 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|96205236}}}}</ref> It was one of four large sites on Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 59th Streets to be sold for development during the preceding six months.<ref name="nyt-1902-04-20">{{Cite news |date=April 20, 1902 |title=In the Real Estate Field; Interest Sustained by Large Fifth Avenue Deals. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/04/20/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-interest-sustained-by-large-fifth-avenue.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219200926/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/04/20/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-interest-sustained-by-large-fifth-avenue.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hiss and Weekes filed plans for the site at the end of June 1902.<ref name="p571254843">{{cite news |date=July 1, 1902 |title=Costly New Apartment Hotel |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|571254843}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1902-06-29">{{Cite news |date=June 29, 1902 |title=In the Real Estate Field; A Satisfactory Market All Well Considered. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/06/29/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-a-satisfactory-market-all-well-considered.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219200927/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/06/29/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-a-satisfactory-market-all-well-considered.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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U.S. senator [[Mark Hanna]] of Ohio, along with the philanthropist [[Thomas Fortune Ryan]], were major investors in the project,<ref name="TL p. 136" /> and U.S. senator [[Thomas C. Platt]] also provided funding for the Gotham.<ref name="nyt-1938-05-19" /> [[Frank V. Bennett]], operator of the [[Arlington Hotel (Washington, D.C.)|Arlington Hotel]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], leased the hotel for 20 years in August 1903;<ref name="nyt-1903-08-19">{{Cite news |date=August 19, 1903 |title=Fifty-Fifth Street Hotel Leased. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/08/19/archives/fiftyfifth-street-hotel-leased.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219200925/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/08/19/archives/fiftyfifth-street-hotel-leased.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1612738550">{{cite news |date=August 28, 1903 |title=A Hotel Lease in Millions |page=5 |work=The Austin Statesman |id={{ProQuest|1612738550}}}}</ref> the lease was not officially recorded until May 1905, by which time the hostelry was known as the Gotham Hotel.<ref name="p571646055">{{cite news |date=May 27, 1905 |title=F. V. Bennett Leases the Gotham |page=16 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|571646055}}}}</ref> Hanna had been one of Bennett's close friends in Washington, D.C., and had helped introduce Bennett to the Gotham Hotel's other developers.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02">{{Cite news |date=October 2, 1905 |title=20-Story New Hotel Ready for Business; Mrs. Hanna, Widow of the Senator, First Guest at the Gotham |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/10/02/archives/20story-new-hotel-ready-for-business-mrs-hanna-widow-of-the-senator.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219221352/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/10/02/archives/20story-new-hotel-ready-for-business-mrs-hanna-widow-of-the-senator.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p571722342">{{cite news |date=October 2, 1905 |title=The Gotham Opened: Mrs. Hanna the First Guest—new Hotel a Model of Comfort |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|571722342}}}}</ref> Even after Hanna's death in 1905, his estate was one of the Gotham Hotel's biggest shareholders.<ref name="p575346395">{{cite news |date=December 22, 1914 |title=$3,500,000 Price at Which Pettit Buys Hotel Gotham: Noted Hostlery on Fifth Av., Which Cost $4,000,000 And Failed in Big Fight to Get License, Is Bought by President of Realty Company of America |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|575346395}}}}</ref> The hotel's construction was delayed significantly because of strikes,<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> which increased the construction cost by $250,000.<ref name="TL p. 137">{{harvnb|Tauranac|1985|ps=.|page=137}}</ref> The facade and roof were completed in early 1904,<ref name="r-7031148_033_00000178">{{cite magazine |date=January 16, 1904 |title=Status of New York |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_033&page=ldpd_7031148_033_00000178&no=4 |magazine=The Real Estate Record: Real estate record and builders' guide |volume=73 |pages=114 |via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]] |number=1869 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219221352/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_033&page=ldpd_7031148_033_00000178&no=4 |url-status=live }}</ref> and, as late as March 1905, the hotel was planned to open the following month.<ref name="p144573844">{{cite news |date=March 12, 1905 |title=Gridiron Dinner in New York.: Annual Spring Function to Be Held at Hotel Gotham – Gift From Mr. Kearns. |page=E2 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|144573844}}}}</ref> |
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[[John Jacob Astor IV]], who was simultaneously developing the St. Regis Hotel across Fifth Avenue, had attempted to obtain a liquor license for his hotels, despite high opposition from local residents.<ref name="p555222683">{{cite news |date=May 12, 1904 |title=What! No License for Astor Hotel?: Millionaires Fight the St. Regis on 5Th Ave. Astor's New Hotel Within 200 Feet of Church |page=1 |work=The Hartford Courant |id={{ProQuest|555222683}}}}</ref> At the time, New York state law required that any establishment with a liquor license was required to gain the approval of the owners of two-thirds of all private property within {{cvt|200|ft}}, and was required to be at least 200 feet from any church. The [[Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church]], which was within 200 feet of both the St. Regis and the Gotham, objected to the liquor license.<ref name="p555222683" /><ref name="p173089166">{{cite news |date=May 12, 1904 |title=C. L. Fair Will Case Is Settled.: Mrs. Oerichs and Mrs. Vanderbilt Turn Over a "Substantial Sum." Astor's Hotel Blocked. New St. Regis Cannot Get a License Because Property Holders Object. Fair Will Case Is Settled |page=3 |work=Chicago Daily Tribune |id={{ProQuest|173089166}}}}</ref> Although the St. Regis eventually secured a liquor license by moving its entrance,<ref name="p555233756">{{cite news |date=July 25, 1904 |title=St. Regis Gets a License: Astor Hotel Near Church Meets Requirements of Law |page=8 |work=The Hartford Courant |id={{ProQuest|555233756}}}}</ref><ref name="TL pp. 136–137">{{harvnb|Tauranac|1985|ps=.|pages=136–137}}</ref> the Gotham had no such recourse, as it was much closer to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.<ref name="TL pp. 136–137" /><ref name="nyt-1905-05-26">{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1905 |title=Higgins to Be Asked to Exclude Hotel Bar; Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church to Send Protesting Committees. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/05/26/archives/higgins-to-be-asked-to-exclude-hotel-bar-fifth-avenue-presbyterian.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216173444/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/05/26/archives/higgins-to-be-asked-to-exclude-hotel-bar-fifth-avenue-presbyterian.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Efn|The St. Regis is diagonally across the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street from the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, whereas the Gotham is directly across 55th Street.<ref name=nyt-1905-05-26 /> Fifth Avenue is {{cvt|100|ft}} wide, and 55th Street is {{cvt|30|ft}} wide,<ref>{{cite citygrid |pages=17–28}}</ref> so the St. Regis is approximately {{cvt|104|ft}} from the church.<ref name=nyt-1905-05-26 />}} In May 1905, the Gotham's operators petitioned the [[New York State Legislature]] to change the state's liquor laws so that hotels with more than 200 rooms were exempt from the 200-foot restriction.<ref name="nyt-1905-05-26" /> Governor [[Frank W. Higgins]] vetoed the bill in June 1905, so the Gotham was forced to open without a liquor license.<ref name="nyt-1905-06-04">{{Cite news |date=June 4, 1905 |title=Higgins Vetoes Bill for the Hotel Gotham; Church Opposition Defeats Liquor Privilege Measure. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/06/04/archives/higgins-vetoes-bill-for-the-hotel-gotham-church-opposition-defeats.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219205613/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/06/04/archives/higgins-vetoes-bill-for-the-hotel-gotham-church-opposition-defeats.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p537031082">{{Cite news |date=June 4, 1905 |title=Topics in New York: Bills Against Raines Law Hotels Are Signed Low Resorts to Be Pursued Captain Voluntarily Reports That He Ran Down a Skiff and That One Man Was Drowned |page=3 |work=The Sun |id={{ProQuest|537031082}}}}</ref> The hotel did originally have an enclosed dining terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> |
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=== Opening and foreclosure === |
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[[File:5 Av Dec 2022 34.jpg|thumb|Detail of entrance]] |
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The hotel opened on October 1, 1905; its first guest was Senator Hanna's widow.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /><ref name="p571722342" /> Originally, the Gotham operated as an [[apartment hotel]], and most of the units had already been leased to long-term residents,<ref name="p571722342" /> including all the units on Fifth Avenue.<ref name="nyt-1905-10-02" /> Other early residents included Platt and financier [[James J. Hill]].<ref name="p571722342" /> In addition, because the Gotham did not have a liquor license, it hired some employees specifically to obtain alcoholic beverages from nearby establishments.<ref name="TL pp. 136–137" /><ref name="nyt-1905-10-04">{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1905 |title=How to Get a Drink at the Hotel Gotham; Fill Out a Blank and the Boy Does the Rest |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/10/04/archives/how-to-get-a-drink-at-the-hotel-gotham-fill-out-a-blank-and-the-boy.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219221355/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/10/04/archives/how-to-get-a-drink-at-the-hotel-gotham-fill-out-a-blank-and-the-boy.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=n115138470 /> By April 1906, the 55th Street Company was negotiating to sell the hotel for $3 million.<ref name="p555370935">{{cite news |date=April 26, 1906 |title=Gotham Hotel Sold: Deal in New York Said to Involve $3,000,000 |page=1 |work=The Hartford Courant |id={{ProQuest|555370935}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1906-04-26">{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1906 |title=Ready to Start Work on New Water System; Board's Report on Preliminary Surveys Received by the Mayor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/04/26/archives/ready-to-start-work-on-new-water-system-boards-report-on.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234819/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/04/26/archives/ready-to-start-work-on-new-water-system-boards-report-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, in 1906, New York state legislators attempted once more to amend state law so the Gotham could obtain a liquor license without the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church's consent. Governor Higgins let the bill expire,<ref name="p571907277">{{cite news |date=June 23, 1907 |title=Gotham Bill Vetoed: Third Time Measure Has Been Killed—governor's Views |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|571907277}}}}</ref> so the bill was introduced again in early 1907.<ref name="p571971765">{{cite news |date=February 22, 1907 |title=Bill to Give Hotel Gotham License |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|571971765}}}}</ref> The state legislature passed the bill in May 1907,<ref name="nyt-1907-05-24">{{Cite news |date=May 24, 1907 |title=Hotel Gotham Bill Passed; It Gives the Hotel the Right to Have a Liquor License. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/24/archives/hotel-gotham-bill-passed-it-gives-the-hotel-the-right-to-have-a.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234822/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/24/archives/hotel-gotham-bill-passed-it-gives-the-hotel-the-right-to-have-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p572039059">{{cite news |date=April 24, 1907 |title=Gotham Bill Passed: Permits Liquor Selling Within 200 Feet of Church—to Governor |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|572039059}}}}</ref> only for governor [[Charles Evans Hughes]] to veto the bill.<ref name="p571907277" /><ref name="nyt-1907-06-23">{{Cite news |date=June 23, 1907 |title=Gotham Hotel Bill Vetoed by Hughes: Says If Exceptions Were Allowed in Such Cases, Law Would Be Patchwork. Hotel Gets No License Message Complains of No Distinction Between High-Class Houses and Places Which Are a Menace |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/06/23/archives/gotham-hotel-bill-vetoed-by-hughes-says-if-exceptions-were-allowed.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234819/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/06/23/archives/gotham-hotel-bill-vetoed-by-hughes-says-if-exceptions-were-allowed.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Bennett only operated the hotel for two years, and he sold his lease in October 1907 to restaurateur Carl Berger.<ref name="nyt-1907-10-01">{{Cite news |date=October 1, 1907 |title=Victory for Engeman Heirs; Adopted Daughter of Racing Man Turns Over His Estate. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/10/01/archives/victory-for-engeman-heirs-adopted-daughter-of-racing-man-turns-over.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234817/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/10/01/archives/victory-for-engeman-heirs-adopted-daughter-of-racing-man-turns-over.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p144778200">{{cite news |date=October 1, 1907 |title=Frank Bennett Retires.: Former Washingtonian Leaves Management of Hotel Gotham. |page=5 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|144778200}}}}</ref> The Hotel Gotham Company, which operated the hotel, surrendered it to the 55th Street Company in December 1907 due to non-payment of rent.<ref name="nyt-1908-07-05">{{Cite news |date=July 5, 1908 |title=Hotel Gotham in a State of Siege; Agents of Realty Company Hold the Hostelry Against Receiver for Hotel Company |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/05/archives/hotel-gotham-in-a-state-of-siege-agents-of-realty-company-hold-the.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234821/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/05/archives/hotel-gotham-in-a-state-of-siege-agents-of-realty-company-hold-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Berger angrily quit as the hotel's manager on July 1, 1908, when Luke M. Boomer, Harry Merry, and E. R. Grabow took over the hotel.<ref name="nyt-1908-07-02">{{Cite news |date=July 2, 1908 |title=Berger Is Out of the Hotel Gotham; He Quits in Anger and Instructs Counsel to Sue for Back Salary |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/02/archives/berger-is-out-of-the-hotel-gotham-he-quits-in-anger-and-instructs.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234815/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/02/archives/berger-is-out-of-the-hotel-gotham-he-quits-in-anger-and-instructs.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days later, Gilbert H. Montague was appointed as the hotel's [[Receivership|receiver]],<ref name="nyt-1908-07-03">{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1908 |title=Promoters Quarrel Over Carnegie Gift; Fall Out Over Division of $500 Sent For" Little Libraries for Benighted Villages |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/03/archives/promoters-quarrel-over-carnegie-gift-fall-out-over-division-of-500.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234816/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/07/03/archives/promoters-quarrel-over-carnegie-gift-fall-out-over-division-of-500.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p572169639">{{cite news |date=July 3, 1908 |title=Hotel Gotham Receiver |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|572169639}}}}</ref> despite Henry Goodwin's claim that the receiver had no rights to the hotel's operation.<ref name="nyt-1908-07-05" /> William R. Wood and Charles L. Weatherbee leased the Gotham Hotel in August 1908 and appointed Frederick V. Weishart as the manager.<ref name="nyt-1908-08-08">{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1908 |title=Hotel Gotham Under New Management; W.R. Wood and C.L. Wetherbee of the Buckingham to Take Charge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/08/08/archives/hotel-gotham-under-new-management-wr-wood-and-cl-wetherbee-of-the.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220000432/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/08/08/archives/hotel-gotham-under-new-management-wr-wood-and-cl-wetherbee-of-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p572124468">{{cite news |date=August 8, 1908 |title=New Lessees for Hotel Gotham |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|572124468}}}}</ref> At the time, the hotel had never made a profit.<ref name="r-7031148_042_00000648">{{cite magazine |date=September 26, 1908 |title=Hotel Gotham to Be Auctioned |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_042&page=ldpd_7031148_042_00000648&no=3 |magazine=The Real Estate Record: Real estate record and builders' guide |volume=82 |pages=610 |via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]] |number=2115 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222030616/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_042&page=ldpd_7031148_042_00000648&no=3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bennett fatally shot himself at his Gotham Hotel apartment in September 1908.<ref name="nyt-1908-09-13">{{Cite news |date=September 13, 1908 |title=Friends End Life Close Together: Frank V. Bennett, Ex-Manager Of the Gotham, And George Crouch Kill Themselves. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/13/archives/friends-end-life-close-together-frank-v-bennett-exmanager-of-the.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234815/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/13/archives/friends-end-life-close-together-frank-v-bennett-exmanager-of-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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By late 1908, the hotel was unable to pay off relatively small debts such as a butcher's $741 bill.<ref name="TL p. 137" /> A foreclosure auction was scheduled for the hotel in October 1908 after the [[Knickerbocker Trust Company]] foreclosed on a $500,000 mortgage.<ref name="nyt-1908-10-11">{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1908 |title=Hotel Gotham at Auction; Fifth Avenue Hostelry to Be Sold on Tuesday Under Foreclosure. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/10/11/archives/hotel-gotham-at-auction-fifth-avenue-hostelry-to-be-sold-on-tuesday.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220000434/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/10/11/archives/hotel-gotham-at-auction-fifth-avenue-hostelry-to-be-sold-on-tuesday.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Gotham was overshadowed by more luxurious hotels, like the St. Regis across the street and the [[Plaza Hotel]] a few blocks north,<ref>{{cite web |date=January 3, 1999 |title=Gotham Hotel |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E7D6123FF930A35752C0A96F958260 |access-date=March 6, 2011 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115124436/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-old-gotham-hotel-now-peninsula-new-york-history-shaped-part-state.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 3, 2009 |title=Hidden Gems |url=http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=16099 |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=hotelinteractive.com |archive-date=July 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712221828/http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=16099 |url-status=live }}</ref> but the ''Real Estate Record and Guide'' reported that the foreclosure was solely because of the liquor bill.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /><ref name="r-7031148_042_00000648" /> Benjamin P. Cheney bought the hotel for about $2.5 million the same month, beating out two other bidders.<ref name="p572170761">{{cite news |date=October 14, 1908 |title=In the Auction Rooms: Hotel Gotham Sold in Foreclosure for $2,458,853 |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|572170761}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1908-10-14">{{Cite news |date=October 14, 1908 |title=City Puts $20,000 In Tuberculosis Fund; Dr. Meyer Announces That the International Exhibit Will Now Be Brought Here |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/10/14/archives/city-puts-20000-in-tuberculosis-fund-dr-meyer-announces-that-the-in.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220012212/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/10/14/archives/city-puts-20000-in-tuberculosis-fund-dr-meyer-announces-that-the-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="r-7031148_042_00000783">{{cite magazine |date=October 17, 1908 |title=The Auction Market |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_042&page=ldpd_7031148_042_00000783&no=5 |magazine=The Real Estate Record: Real estate record and builders' guide |volume=82 |pages=745 |via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]] |number=2118 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220021555/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_042&page=ldpd_7031148_042_00000783&no=5 |url-status=live }}</ref> The sale did not affect Wood and Weatherbee's management of the hotel;<ref name="r-7031148_042_00000783" /> the men paid $175,000 a year.<ref name="p575346395" /> Yet another bill to allow the hotel to obtain a liquor license was proposed in 1909, but the bill failed,<ref name="p572239496">{{cite news |date=April 27, 1909 |title=Primary Bill Beaten: Assembly Vote 74 to 56 Measure Allowing Hotel Gotham to Sell Liquor Also Defeated |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|572239496}}}}</ref> as did another in 1911.<ref name="p575346395" /> The new owner, meanwhile, planned to convert the Gotham into a transient hotel and renovate the dining terrace into a Japanese restaurant.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> However, the Gotham's terrace restaurant was demolished after Fifth Avenue was widened in 1911, since the terrace protruded {{cvt|14|ft}} into the street.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 13, 1911 |title=Upper Fifth Avenue in Wreckers' Hands; New York's Most Famous Mansions Have Their Facades Cut Back to Widen Thoroughfare. |language=en-US |page=35 |work=The New York Times |url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/08/13/100341098.pdf |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=June 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717144832/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/08/13/100341098.pdf |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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=== Mid-20th century === |
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==== 1910s to 1930s ==== |
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[[File:USA-NYC-The Peninsula.JPG|thumb|Seen from across Fifth Avenue and 55th Street]] |
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Among the Gotham's guests in the early 20th century were composer [[Victor Herbert]], as well as pianist [[Ignacy Jan Paderewski]], the latter of whom lived there for sixteen years.<ref name="nyt-1938-05-19" /> In December 1914, [[Franklin Pettit]] bought the hotel from Cheney for nearly $3.5 million.<ref name="p575346395" /><ref name="nyt-1914-12-22">{{Cite news |date=December 22, 1914 |title=Hotel Gotham Sold and Lease Renewed; Franklin Pettit Purchases the Fifth Avenue Property for Nearly $3,500,000 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/12/22/archives/hotel-gotham-sold-and-lease-renewed-franklin-pettit-purchases-the.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220021547/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/12/22/archives/hotel-gotham-sold-and-lease-renewed-franklin-pettit-purchases-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Weatherbee and Wood continued to operate the hotel, even after the Hotel Holdings Company sold the Gotham to William and Julius Manger of [[Manger Hotels]] in October 1920.<ref name="nyt-1920-10-03">{{Cite news |date=October 3, 1920 |title=Hotel Gotham Sold to Manges Bros.; Property at Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Fifth Street Disposed Of by Hotel Holding Co. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/10/03/archives/hotel-gotham-sold-to-manges-bros-property-at-fifth-avenue-and.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220205827/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/10/03/archives/hotel-gotham-sold-to-manges-bros-property-at-fifth-avenue-and.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p576298663">{{cite news |date=October 3, 1920 |title=Hotel Gotham Is Sold; Price Reported 4 Millions |page=19 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|576298663}}}}</ref> The next month, the 2 West 55th Street Corporation took title to the hotel on behalf of the Manger brothers.<ref name="nyt-1920-11-12">{{Cite news |date=November 12, 1920 |title=Hotel Gotham Title Passes. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/11/12/archives/hotel-gotham-title-passes.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220205827/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/11/12/archives/hotel-gotham-title-passes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The brothers attempted to sell the Gotham for $5 million in early 1925, but they did not receive any offers that they deemed acceptable.<ref name="p1112944763">{{cite news |date=February 7, 1925 |title=Rumor Hotel Gotham Had Changed Hands Is Spiked |page=21 |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1112944763}}}}</ref> The Manger brothers eventually bought out Weatherbee and Wood's lease in 1927.<ref name="p1113576967">{{cite news |date=November 2, 1927 |title=Owners Get Lease Of Hotel Gotham On Fifth Avenue: W. & J. Manger Take Over Interests of Wetherbee & Wood; Loft Space Rented in Old Mercantile Section |page=40 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113576967}}}}</ref><ref name="p104030581">{{cite news |date=November 2, 1927 |title=Buy Hotel Gotham Lease.: Manger Brothers Acquire Leasehold on Structure They Own. |page=48 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|104030581}}}}</ref> |
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By 1931, the Gotham was one of the few remaining buildings on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan that still did not have shops.<ref name="nyt-1931-02-08">{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1931 |title=Few Shops Vacant on Fifth Avenue; Survey Discloses Only Twelve Stores Available in the Business Blocks |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/02/08/archives/few-shops-vacant-on-fifth-avenue-survey-discloses-only-twelve.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315174142/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/02/08/archives/few-shops-vacant-on-fifth-avenue-survey-discloses-only-twelve.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Metropolitan Life Insurance Company]] moved to foreclose on a $2 million mortgage that it held on the hotel in March 1932.<ref name="nyt-1932-03-20">{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1932 |title=Receivers Appointed for the Hotel Gotham; Chain Reported Ready to Operate 55th St. Property in $2,000,000 Foreclosure Action. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/20/archives/receivers-appointed-for-the-hotel-gotham-chain-reported-ready-to.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220012159/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/20/archives/receivers-appointed-for-the-hotel-gotham-chain-reported-ready-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p131031141">{{cite news |date=March 22, 1932 |title=Newspaper Specials: Condensed Items of Financial Interest from American Newspapers |page=8 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|131031141}}}}</ref> Leon Leighton and Raymond J. Scully were appointed as receivers.<ref name="nyt-1932-03-20" /> The next month, the American Hotels Corporation took over the Gotham's lease and appointed G. H. Wartman as the manager.<ref name="p1654224532">{{cite magazine |date=April 8, 1932 |title=Hotel And Restaurant News: Takes Over Two Hotels |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |volume=44 |issue=69 |pages=23 |id={{ProQuest|1654224532}}}}</ref><ref name="p2264630048">{{cite news |date=April 13, 1932 |title=President of Hotel Chain Optimistic About Business |page=4 |work=The Daily Home News |id={{ProQuest|2264630048}}}}</ref> The Metropolitan Life took over the hotel in July 1932.<ref name="p1114735962">{{cite news |date=July 9, 1932 |title=Real Estate Transactions in City and Suburbs: Gotham Hotel Taken Over by Insurance Co Metropolitan Life Acquires Fifth Avenue Structure; Port Authority Buys Flat |page=24 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114735962}}}}</ref> The hotel's managers added an airplane departure board in the lobby in 1933, which they claimed was the first such board in a hotel lobby,<ref name="p1329033635">{{cite news |date=July 18, 1933 |title=Airways Board Put in Lobby: Gotham Hotel to Post Plane Arrivals and Departures |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1329033635}}}}</ref> and they also installed a marine room at the Gotham to complement the hotel's rooftop "sun deck".<ref name="p1115119270">{{cite news |date=August 20, 1933 |title=Hotel Gotham 'Sun Deck' To Have Marine Room: Hostelry, Accentuates Its Long Tradition Among Seafarers |page=F10 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1115119270}}}}</ref> The hotel was also the site of a notable suicide in 1938, when 26-year-old [[John William Warde]] jumped from the 17th floor in front of 10,000 spectators;<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=The New Yorker |title=The Man on the Ledge |first=Joel |last=Sayre |page=34 |date=April 16, 1949 |url=http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=1949-04-16#folio=034 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226183049/https://archives.newyorker.com/?i=1949-04-16#folio=034 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 8, 1938 |title=Medicine: Manhattan Suicide |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,931463,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826061451/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,931463,00.html |archive-date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=March 6, 2011 |magazine=Time}}</ref> the incident inspired the 1951 film ''[[Fourteen Hours]]''.<ref name="p2304361282" /> |
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Architect [[D. Everett Waid]] designed five storefronts at ground level in 1938;<ref name="p1243084771">{{cite news |date=May 22, 1938 |title=As Hotel Gotham Will Look Next Fall |page=C1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243084771}}}}</ref><ref name="p1727938690">{{cite magazine |date=May 20, 1938 |title=Hotel To Have Five New Stores |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |volume=56 |issue=99 |pages=2 |id={{ProQuest|1727938690}}}}</ref> the bronze-and-glass storefronts were recessed from the facade.<ref name="p1243086815">{{cite news |date=July 31, 1938 |title=Alteration Job Develops Many Odd Situations: Story Back of Gotham Hotel Project Indicates Details Were Considered Fifth Avenue Side of Gotham With Stores Installed |page=C2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243086815}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1938-07-31">{{Cite news |date=July 31, 1938 |title=5th Ave. To Have Distinctive Shops; Five Artistic Stores in Hotel Gotham Will Be Ready for Tenants in October |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/31/archives/5th-ave-to-have-distinctive-shops-five-artistic-stores-in-hotel.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220232024/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/31/archives/5th-ave-to-have-distinctive-shops-five-artistic-stores-in-hotel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of this project, the original dining room on Fifth Avenue was closed and demolished in May 1938, and a new dining room was built within the hotel offices on the opposite side of the lobby. The hotel's offices were then relocated to the space previously occupied by the second-floor ballroom.<ref name="p1251070605" /> The original ceiling, designed by Hiss and Weekes, was preserved as part of the project.<ref name="p1243021732">{{cite news |date=May 29, 1938 |title=Not Stanford White Ceiling: Gotham Hotel Interior Designed by H. Hobart Weekes |page=C5 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243021732}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1938-05-29">{{Cite news |date=May 29, 1938 |title=Stores for the Hotel Gotham |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/05/29/archives/stores-for-the-hotel-gotham.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220232030/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/05/29/archives/stores-for-the-hotel-gotham.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, space for exhibitions was created on the second floor.<ref name="nyt-1938-05-29" /> The storefronts were leased to such tenants as jeweler Charlton & Co.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 1, 1939 |title=Fifth Ave. Corner Taken by Jeweler; Charlton & Co. Leases Unit in Row of Stores Installed in the Hotel Gotham |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/01/archives/fifth-ave-corner-taken-by-jeweler-charlton-co-leases-unit-in-row-of.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220232029/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/01/archives/fifth-ave-corner-taken-by-jeweler-charlton-co-leases-unit-in-row-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Grand Central Art Galleries]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 16, 1939 |title=Fifth Ave. Stores Are Well Rented; New Home in Growing Long Island Colony |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/10/16/archives/fifth-ave-stores-are-well-rented-new-home-in-growing-long-island.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220232031/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/10/16/archives/fifth-ave-stores-are-well-rented-new-home-in-growing-long-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The renovations coincided with the beginning of the [[1939 New York World's Fair]].<ref name="p1255012263">{{cite news |date=April 1, 1939 |title=Gotham Hotel Leased By a Chicago Group |page=30 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1255012263}}}}</ref> At the beginning of April 1939, a syndicate of Chicago investors, led by Arnold S. Kirkeby, leased the hotel for five years.<ref name="p1255012263" /><ref name="nyt-1939-04-01">{{Cite news |date=April 1, 1939 |title=Hotel Gotham Leased; Chicago Group Takes Over Today Operation of Hostelry |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/01/archives/hotel-gotham-leased-chicago-group-takes-over-today-operation-of.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220232028/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/01/archives/hotel-gotham-leased-chicago-group-takes-over-today-operation-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== 1940s to 1970s ==== |
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In 1944, a syndicate headed by Kirkeby bought the hotel from Metropolitan Life.<ref name="nyt-1944-06-27">{{Cite news |date=June 27, 1944 |title=Lessees Purchase the Hotel Gotham; Kirkeby Interests Buy 22-Story Building at 5Th Ave. And 55th St. For $2,350,000 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/27/archives/lessees-purchase-the-hotel-gotham-kirkeby-interests-buy-22story.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220012201/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/27/archives/lessees-purchase-the-hotel-gotham-kirkeby-interests-buy-22story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1282882906">{{cite news |date=June 28, 1944 |title=Trust Co. Sells 16-Story House In East 79th St: Apartment Building Taken by Syndicate; Broadway Corner Sold to Meister |page=35 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1282882906}}}}</ref> At the time, the hotel had 358 rooms and was valued at $2.25 million.<ref name="p1282882906" /> A cocktail lounge was added to the hotel during this decade.<ref name="nyt-1999-01-03" /> Kirkeby's syndicate, the National Cuba Hotel Corporation, sold the Gotham in May 1955 to a syndicate composed of [[Webb and Knapp]] and [[Roger L. Stevens]].<ref name="nyt-1955-05-17">{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1955 |title=Syndicate to Buy 3 Major Hotels; Webb & Knapp and Stevens Head Group to Purchase Gotham and 2 Others |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/05/17/archives/syndicate-to-buy-3-major-hotels-webb-knapp-and-stevens-head-group.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221014324/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/05/17/archives/syndicate-to-buy-3-major-hotels-webb-knapp-and-stevens-head-group.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1327021637">{{cite news |date=May 17, 1955 |title=Three Hotels Sold By Kirkeby Group |page=34 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327021637}}}}</ref> That November, Webb & Knapp and Stevens sold the Gotham and the [[Beverly Wilshire Hotel]] to an investor for a combined $11 million. The Kirkeby Hotel Corporation retained its lease of the Gotham Hotel.<ref name="nyt-1955-11-03">{{Cite news |date=November 3, 1955 |title=Investor Buys 2 Large Hotels; Gotham, Beverly Wilshire Sold by Webb & Knapp and Stevens – $11 Million Deal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/11/03/archives/investor-buys-2-large-hotels-gotham-beverly-wilshire-sold-by-webb.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221014325/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/11/03/archives/investor-buys-2-large-hotels-gotham-beverly-wilshire-sold-by-webb.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1327001449">{{cite news |date=November 3, 1955 |title=Gotham Hotel Sold For $5½ Million |page=A10 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327001449}}}}</ref> The Hotel Investors Syndicate, led by Peter J. Sharp, acquired the Gotham, Beverly Wilshire, and [[Saranac Inn]] in May 1957.<ref name="nyt-1957-05-13">{{Cite news |date=May 13, 1957 |title=3 Hotels Acquired by Investors Here |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/05/13/archives/3-hotels-acquired-by-investors-here.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221014315/https://www.nytimes.com/1957/05/13/archives/3-hotels-acquired-by-investors-here.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1324039540">{{cite news |date=May 12, 1957 |title=Gotham Hotel And Saranac Inn Purchased |page=25 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324039540}}}}</ref> Subsequently, Sharp Ltd. Hotels operated the Gotham,<ref name="p132673850">{{cite news |date=August 10, 1961 |title=Webb & Knapp to Buy 3 Hotels From Sharp For About $25 Million |page=6 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132673850}}}}</ref> and it renovated the hotel.<ref name="nyt-1964-07-30">{{Cite news |date=July 30, 1964 |title=Mortgage Is Sold By Webb & Knapp |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/30/archives/mortgage-is-sold-by-webb-knapp.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200004/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/30/archives/mortgage-is-sold-by-webb-knapp.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Webb and Knapp agreed in August 1961 to repurchase the Gotham, [[Stanhope Hotel|Stanhope]], and Beverly Wilshire hotels from [[Evelyn Sharp (businesswoman)|Evelyn Sharp]],<ref name="p132673850" /><ref name="nyt-1961-08-10">{{Cite news |date=August 10, 1961 |title=3 Hotels Bought by Webb & Knapp; Price for Two Here and One in West Is $25,000,000 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/10/archives/3-hotels-bought-by-webb-knapp-price-for-two-here-and-one-in-west-is.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200011/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/10/archives/3-hotels-bought-by-webb-knapp-price-for-two-here-and-one-in-west-is.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1325841074">{{cite news |date=August 10, 1961 |title=Famed N. Y. Hotels Go to Webb & Knapp for $25 Million: Gotham, Stanhope, Another in West Sold by Mrs. Sharp |page=19 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325841074}}}}</ref> Peter Sharp's mother.<ref name="p116750388">{{cite news |date=May 23, 1965 |title=Paramount Building Gets Woman's Touch |page=R1 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|116750388}}}}</ref> At the time, the Gotham contained 400 rooms and 18-hour maid service.<ref name="p1325841074" /> Webb and Knapp completed its acquisition in October 1961 and immediately began contracting to sell the hotel, while continuing to operate it, as part of a [[leaseback]] agreement.<ref name="nyt-1961-10-04">{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1961 |title=Hotel Deal Completed; Webb & Knapp Gets 2 Buildings Here and One on Coast |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/04/archives/hotel-deal-completed-webb-knapp-gets-2-buildings-here-and-one-on.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200003/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/04/archives/hotel-deal-completed-webb-knapp-gets-2-buildings-here-and-one-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A syndicate led by Alvin Greenstein bought the hotel in December 1961 and leased it back to Webb and Knapp for 21 years, with sixteen renewal options. Under the terms of the lease, the hotel had to remain in operation until at least 1971, but Webb and Knapp could demolish the hotel afterward.<ref name="p1325765351">{{cite news |date=December 3, 1961 |title=Gotham Hotel Bought for $8,925,000: 21-Yr. Lease With Renewals for 329 Yrs. |page=49 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325765351}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1961-12-04">{{Cite news |date=December 4, 1961 |title=Group Takes Title to Gotham Hotel |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/12/04/archives/group-takes-title-to-gotham-hotel.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200007/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/12/04/archives/group-takes-title-to-gotham-hotel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1963, Neal Lang was appointed as the hotel's general manager.<ref name="nyt-1963-09-12">{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1963 |title=Hotel Gotham Names New Vice President |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/12/archives/hotel-gotham-names-new-vice-president.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200009/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/12/archives/hotel-gotham-names-new-vice-president.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Webb and Knapp had lent $2 million toward a $3.568 million mortgage loan that had been placed on the hotel (with the Dry Dock Savings Bank holding the remaining stake), but the firm sold that stake in 1964.<ref name="nyt-1964-07-30" /> |
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Wellington Associates, a joint venture of [[Sol Goldman]] and Alexander DiLorenzo, bought the Gotham in March 1965.<ref name="nyt-1965-03-03">{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1965 |title=Wellington Buys the Gotham Hotel |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/03/archives/wellington-buys-the-gotham-hotel.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200008/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/03/archives/wellington-buys-the-gotham-hotel.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1505853403">{{cite magazine |date=March 10, 1965 |title=Vaudeville: Wellington Associates Buys Hotel Gotham, N.Y. |magazine=Variety |volume=238 |issue=3 |page=63 |id={{ProQuest|1505853403}}}}</ref> Wellington appointed Frank C. Bromber as the Gotham's executive director.<ref name="nyt-1965-05-11">{{Cite news |date=May 11, 1965 |title=New Executive Director Is Chosen for St. Regis |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/11/archives/new-executive-director-is-chosen-for-st-regis.html |access-date=December 16, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115124436/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/11/archives/new-executive-director-is-chosen-for-st-regis.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new owners redecorated and repainted the main lobby and dining room, and they cleaned and illuminated the facade.<ref name="nyt-1965-03-25">{{Cite news |date=March 25, 1965 |title=News of Realty: Hotel Expanding; Gotham Renovation Includes Purchase of a Garage |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/25/archives/news-of-realty-hotel-expanding-gotham-renovation-includes-purchase.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200003/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/25/archives/news-of-realty-hotel-expanding-gotham-renovation-includes-purchase.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Wellington also bought two buildings at 23 and 25 West 55th Street and converted these structures into a parking garage.<ref name="nyt-1965-03-25" /> The 18-story, 300-space parking garage opened in 1966 and was reportedly the first parking garage in New York City to be added to an existing hotel.<ref name="nyt-1966-11-24">{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=November 24, 1966 |title=Gotham Hotel Gets a What-Is-It; It's Garage of 15 Stories for Guests |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/11/24/archives/gotham-hotel-gets-a-whatisit-its-garage-of-15-stories-for-guests.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221200007/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/11/24/archives/gotham-hotel-gets-a-whatisit-its-garage-of-15-stories-for-guests.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the garage's completion, guests had used various garages between [[Second Avenue (Manhattan)|Second]] and [[Ninth Avenue (Manhattan)|Ninth]] avenues; however, about 90 percent of short-term guests did not bring their cars to the hotel.<ref name="nyt-1966-11-24" /> Goldman said in 1967 that both the Gotham and the St. Regis (which he also owned) were profitable.<ref name="nyt-1967-11-12">{{Cite news |last=Whitehouse |first=Franklin |date=November 12, 1967 |title=Profits Help Luxury Hotels Defy Demolition; Plaza Returns 12% to Owners, Who Retain Clientele Huge Sums Devoted to Renovation to Maintain Image |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/11/12/archives/profits-help-luxury-hotels-defy-demolition-plaza-returns-12-to.html |access-date=December 17, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217015424/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/11/12/archives/profits-help-luxury-hotels-defy-demolition-plaza-returns-12-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the next year, the Gotham's renovation had been completed at a cost of $1.5 million.<ref name="nyt-1968-09-28">{{Cite news |last=Horsley |first=Carter B. |date=September 28, 1968 |title=Hotels Indulging in New Decors for New Social Season |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/09/28/archives/hotels-indulging-in-new-decors-for-new-social-season.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130015205/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/09/28/archives/hotels-indulging-in-new-decors-for-new-social-season.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Gotham's main dining room and banquet department were closed in July 1970; the dining room reopened in March 1971 but only served meals on weekdays.<ref name="p119337851">{{cite news |last=Oser |first=Alan S. |date=May 16, 1971 |title=Hotels Streamlining as Occupancy Falls: Hotels Are Streamlining |page=R1 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|119337851}}}}</ref> The hotel also continued to lease space to commercial tenants, including shipping company [[Italian Line]]<ref name="nyt-1975-04-20">{{Cite news |last=Horsley |first=Carter B. |date=April 20, 1975 |title=Inroads by 'Tourist-Trade' Shops Troubling Fifth Ave. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/20/archives/inroads-by-touristtrade-shops-troubling-fifth-ave-touristtrade.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221211236/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/20/archives/inroads-by-touristtrade-shops-troubling-fifth-ave-touristtrade.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and shoe store [[Charles Jourdan]].<ref name="nyt-1980-10-12">{{Cite news |date=October 12, 1980 |title=Realty News; Fifth Avenue Handing Township, N.J. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/12/archives/realty-news-fifth-avenue-handing-township-nj.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221211236/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/12/archives/realty-news-fifth-avenue-handing-township-nj.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Goldman began experiencing financial issues after DiLorenzo died in 1975, but he continued to own the Gotham.<ref name="nyt-1976-05-23">{{Cite news |last=Reif |first=Rita |date=May 23, 1976 |title=New York's Big Landlord Is Feeling Financial Pinch |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/23/archives/new-yorks-big-landlord-is-feeling-financial-pinch-legal-problems.html |access-date=November 25, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125190103/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/23/archives/new-yorks-big-landlord-is-feeling-financial-pinch-legal-problems.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Goldman and the heirs of DiLorenzo's estate eventually agreed to split up Wellington's holdings; as part of this process, Goldman retained ownership of the Gotham.<ref name="nyt-1981-01-11" /> |
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=== 1980s renovation === |
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==== Nova Park attempt ==== |
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[[File:5 Av Dec 2022 19.jpg|thumb|Window details]] |
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Swiss hotel owner Rene Hatt signed a lease for the hotel in 1979, paying $3.5 million in annual rent for the first 20 years.<ref name="nyt-1983-05-18" /> The Gotham was closed for renovations in 1981,<ref name="p2304760500">{{cite news |date=August 1, 1986 |title=The Old Gotham Gets a New Lease on Life |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138228/the-old-gotham-gets-a-new-lease-on-life/ |access-date=December 25, 2022 |page=342 |work=New York Daily News |id={{ProQuest|2304760500}} |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225020641/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138228/the-old-gotham-gets-a-new-lease-on-life/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1981-01-11" /> and Hatt intended to reopen it as the '''Nova Park Gotham''',<ref name="nyt-1982-11-07">{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=George W. |date=November 7, 1982 |title=City Adding 3,500 Hotel Rooms |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/07/realestate/city-adding-3500-hotel-rooms.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101174740/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/07/realestate/city-adding-3500-hotel-rooms.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p1438367797">{{cite magazine |last=Cohen |first=Joe |date=November 24, 1982 |title=Miscellany: N.Y. Adds More And More Hotel Space In Another Building Boom |magazine=Variety |volume=309 |issue=4 |pages=2, 98 |id={{ProQuest|1438367797}}}}</ref> a larger version of the Nova-Park Élysées in Paris.<ref name="p153115735">{{cite news |last=Hamby |first=Bruce |date=April 18, 1982 |title=Nova Park: Luxury for the Bankers |page=H14 |work=Los Angeles Times |id={{ProQuest|153115735}}}}</ref><ref name="p172734201">{{cite news |last=Birnbaum |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Birnbaum |date=June 13, 1982 |title=Two New Paris Hotels in Vintage Buildings |page=M15 |work=Chicago Tribune |id={{ProQuest|172734201}}}}</ref> He planned to operate the Gotham as an ultra-luxury hotel, charging up to $1,750 per night.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05">{{Cite news |last=Daniels |first=Lee A. |date=November 5, 1984 |title=Nova-Park's Embattled Hotel |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/05/business/nova-park-s-embattled-hotel.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219192823/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/05/business/nova-park-s-embattled-hotel.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p425249791">{{cite news |last=Guenther |first=Robert |date=August 27, 1986 |title=Saga of a New York Disaster Could End Happily, After All |page=1 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|425249791}}}}</ref> Hatt hired Stephen Jacobs to design the renovation, which included rehabilitating the interior and reducing the 330-room hotel to 250 rooms.<ref name="nyt-1981-01-11">{{Cite news |last=Horsley |first=Carter B. |date=January 11, 1981 |title=Swiss Hotelman and Innovator Comes to Gotham |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/11/realestate/swiss-hotelman-and-innovator-comes-to-gotham.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218020313/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/11/realestate/swiss-hotelman-and-innovator-comes-to-gotham.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This renovation added the hotel's rooftop pool and fitness center.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 3, 1999 |title=Rene Hart |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E7D6123FF930A35752C0A96F958260 |access-date=March 6, 2011 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115124436/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-old-gotham-hotel-now-peninsula-new-york-history-shaped-part-state.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Nova Park Gotham was expected to include multiple restaurants and bars, a nightclub, various meeting rooms, and a business center.<ref name="nyt-1983-05-18" /> This was one of several hotel projects being developed in New York City in the 1980s, which collectively added 3,500 rooms.<ref name="nyt-1982-11-07" /><ref name="p1438367797" /> A group of European banks led by German bank Deutsche Anlagen lent $38 million for the project.<ref name="p425249791" /> |
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When the project started in 1981, the Gotham was scheduled to be closed for two years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Liz |date=August 16, 1981 |title=The Shuffling of People and Hotels |pages=200 |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138365/the-shuffling-of-people-and-hotelsliz/ |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225020640/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138365/the-shuffling-of-people-and-hotelsliz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The hotel's reopening was scheduled for October 1983,<ref name="nyt-1983-05-18" /> then to February 1984.<ref name="p134797996">{{cite news |last=Guenther |first=Robert |date=September 21, 1983 |title=Hotel Occupancy Rates Begin To Rise After Plunging in '82 |page=35 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|134797996}}}}</ref> The project had stalled by early 1984 after Nova Park AG had invested $120 million on the project, which had originally been budgeted at $30 million. Real-estate experts estimated that the developers needed another $40 million to complete the renovation, but Nova Park AG had not even paid rent for several months, and they owed $5 million in taxes.<ref name="nyt-1984-04-29">{{Cite news |last=Daniels |first=Lee A. |date=April 29, 1984 |title=Gotham Hotel Renovation Stalls Amid Cost Overruns |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/29/realestate/gotham-hotel-renovation-stalls-amid-cost-overruns.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221223743/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/29/realestate/gotham-hotel-renovation-stalls-amid-cost-overruns.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hatt had taken out $23 million worth of additional mortgages without the consent of his first-mortgage lenders.<ref name="p425249791" /> The per-room cost of renovating the Gotham surpassed the cost of brand-new luxury hotels in New York City, which typically cost $180,000 to $200,000 per room.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05" /><ref name="p2304236544">{{cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=May 15, 1984 |title=Study Finds Good News for Hotels |page=239 |work=New York Daily News |id={{ProQuest|2304236544}}}}</ref> One observer attributed the cost overruns to the "design-as-you-go" nature of the project, saying that Hatt had "unrealistic" expectations about the quality of the work.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05" /> In several cases, Hatt had ordered that a floor be rebuilt for aesthetic reasons after that floor had been renovated.<ref name="p425249791" /> In addition, a large portion of the facade and about 100 steel beams had to be rebuilt.<ref name="p425249791" /> |
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Goldman said in August 1984 that the developers had paid the overdue rent, but the ''Times'' reported that the building was still boarded up and vacant.<ref name="nyt-1984-08-26">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Shawn G. |date=August 26, 1984 |title=New Signs of Old Glamour on Fifth Ave. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/26/realestate/new-signs-of-old-glamour-on-fifth-ave.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614200723/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/26/realestate/new-signs-of-old-glamour-on-fifth-ave.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By November 1984, Nova Park AG surrendered the Gotham to its lenders, a group of European banks.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05" /> Hatt sued the banks, claiming that his lenders had mismanaged the project.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05" /><ref name="p425249791" /> Further complicating the situation, one of the European lenders was involved in an embezzlement lawsuit, and local bank [[Flushing Federal Savings and Loan]], which had lent $5 million for the project, claimed that the European banks had improperly taken control of the hotel.<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05" /> The president of the Flushing bank was indicted on extortion charges in 1989 in relation with the Gotham Hotel.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1988 |title=Metro Datelines; 2 Held in Bilking Of Swiss Hotelier |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/29/nyregion/metro-datelines-2-held-in-bilking-of-swiss-hotelier.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525093921/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/29/nyregion/metro-datelines-2-held-in-bilking-of-swiss-hotelier.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[Helmsley-Spear]] was hired to market the hotel,<ref name="nyt-1984-11-05" /> but no one was willing to buy the Gotham, as any potential buyer would have to spend $40 million to complete the renovation.<ref name="p2304361282">{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Liz |date=December 2, 1984 |title=B. Altman's Is Going Thru the Roof! |page=9 |work=New York Daily News |id={{ProQuest|2304361282}}}}</ref> By then, the per-room construction cost had increased to an estimated $500,000.<ref name="p425249791" /> Nova Park AG itself went bankrupt in early 1985.<ref name="nyt-1985-04-18">{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1985 |title=Nova Park Ruling |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/18/business/nova-park-ruling.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233939/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/18/business/nova-park-ruling.html |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Meanwhile, the European banks continued to pay rent on the site, even though the hotel was not making any profit.<ref name="p2304760500" /> After Nova Park AG gave up the hotel to its lenders, Goldman moved to restructure the ground lease, and he sought a partner to complete the conversion.<ref name="p425249791" /> |
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==== Maxim's de Paris ==== |
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[[File:5 Av Dec 2022 15.jpg|thumb|Lower-story arcade]] |
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Goldman was negotiating to lease the property to developer [[William Zeckendorf Jr.]] by mid-1985.<ref name="nyt-1985-06-23">{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=June 23, 1985 |title=New Effort to Revamp Gotham Hotel |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/23/nyregion/new-effort-to-revamp-gotham-hotel.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221010142/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/23/nyregion/new-effort-to-revamp-gotham-hotel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> An investment group headed by [[Arthur G. Cohen|Arthur Cohen]] began negotiating to lease the hotel from Goldman. The European banks were not willing to sell the Gotham at a substantial loss, so the negotiations took 18 months.<ref name="p425249791" /> In July 1986, the Texas-based [[Pratt Hotel Corporation]]; the [[Southmark Corporation]], which owned a stake in Pratt Hotels; and a group of investors including Goldman, Cohen, and Zeckendorf agreed to buy the hotel from the European banks for $35 million. Goldman would own a 46 percent stake in the hotel; Pratt and Southmark would own a 33 percent stake; and Zeckendorf, Cohen, and their partners would own 21 percent.<ref name="p397991600">{{cite news |date=July 8, 1986 |title=Southmark Corp., Pratt Join Group Purchasing Hotel for $35 Million |page=1 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|397991600}}}}</ref><ref name="p285406921">{{cite news |date=July 8, 1986 |title=Ex-Employees Settle IBM's Secrets Suit |page=35 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|285406921}}}}</ref><ref name="n115138180">{{Cite news |last=R. B. Plunkett Jr. |date=July 8, 1986 |title=Gotham to Get 40M Polishing |pages=202 |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138180/gotham-to-get-40m-polishingr-b/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225020640/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138180/gotham-to-get-40m-polishingr-b/ |archive-date=December 25, 2022}}</ref> In exchange, the European banks were [[Indemnity|indemnified]] against all unresolved [[lien]]s on the property,<ref name="p425249791" /> and the banks ended their involvement with the hotel.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-24" /> |
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Further details of the project were announced in October 1986.<ref name=n115138292>{{Cite news |last=Polsky |first=Carol |date=October 24, 1986 |title=Developers Plan to Restore Gotham Hotel |pages=36 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138292/developers-plan-to-restore-gotham/ |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225020645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138292/developers-plan-to-restore-gotham/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Pratt planned to spend $40 million to complete the renovation. The hotel would be rebranded Maxim's de Paris Suite Hotel, an outpost of Parisian restaurant [[Maxim's Paris|Maxim's]].<ref name="p397991600" /><ref name="p285406921" /> This was part of a naming-rights deal that Pratt Hotels had signed with [[Pierre Cardin]] in 1984.<ref name="nyt-1987-05-03">{{Cite news |last=Meyers |first=William H. |date=May 3, 1987 |title=Maxim's Name Is the Game; Gotham Spells Trouble for Cardin and Partner |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/03/magazine/maxim-s-name-is-the-game-gotham-spells-trouble-for-cardin-and-partner.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233942/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/03/magazine/maxim-s-name-is-the-game-gotham-spells-trouble-for-cardin-and-partner.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ivan Boesky]] offered to buy the hotel for $45 million, but Pratt Hotels CEO Jack Pratt refused, citing the hotel's "prime [[Manhattan]] location".<ref name="p285447742">{{cite news |last=Mulcahy |first=Susan |date=July 29, 1986 |title=Inside New York |page=6 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|285447742}}}}</ref> Work resumed in August 1986.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-24" /> Goldman and Pratt planned to remove some of Nova Park's modifications, including the decorations, which they deemed to be too gaudy.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-24" /><ref name="p285447742" /> Instead, the hotel was to have 300 units, two bars, and two restaurants.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-24" /> A new kitchen and two elevators for room service were also installed.<ref name="p1813339192">{{cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Peter S. |date=April 24, 1988 |title=Coming Up (With Luck): Room Service |page=C14 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|1813339192}}}}</ref> [[Hirsch Bedner Associates]] designed the renovation.<ref name="p292652720" /><ref name="nyt-1987-11-18" /> Pratt's existing agreement with Cardin would give the latter a [[royalty payment]] amounting to 1.5 percent of the hotel's gross revenues, which would amount to almost $500,000 for Cardin in the hotel's opening year. The other co-owners, particularly Goldman, expressed skepticism about the value of the Maxim's name. Goldman had acceded to the Maxim's agreement by early 1987, on the condition that Cardin not receive any royalty payments unless the hotel made a profit in its first two years.<ref name="nyt-1987-05-03" /> |
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Maxim's ultimately reopened with 254 units,<ref name=n115138292 /><ref name=p1438482360>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1438482360}} |title=Personal Appearances: Tourism Encourages Further Rise In New York Hotel Construction |first=Joe |last=Cohen |volume=326 |issue=8 |date=March 18, 1987 |pages=78 |magazine=Variety}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1987-11-18" /> as well as {{cvt|12000|ft2}} of storefronts.<ref name="p135319100">{{cite news |date=August 26, 1988 |title=Affiliate's New York Hotel Is Sold to Hong Kong Firm |page=10 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|135319100}}}}</ref> By November 1987, the hotel's owners had launched an advertising campaign for Maxim's.<ref name="nyt-1987-11-17">{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=November 17, 1987 |title=Advertising; High-Priced New Hotel Begins Wide Campaign |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/17/business/advertising-high-priced-new-hotel-begins-wide-campaign.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233945/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/17/business/advertising-high-priced-new-hotel-begins-wide-campaign.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A preview event for the hotel was hosted the same month.<ref name="p292652720" /><ref name="nyt-1987-11-18" /> The first 200 units were scheduled to be opened in December 1987 while the other units, restaurants, and bars were to open in early 1988.<ref name="nyt-1987-11-18">{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=Richard D. |date=November 18, 1987 |title=About Real Estate; At Last, A 5Th Ave. Hotel Gets Ready for Reopening |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/18/business/about-real-estate-at-last-a-5th-ave-hotel-gets-ready-for-reopening.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233942/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/18/business/about-real-estate-at-last-a-5th-ave-hotel-gets-ready-for-reopening.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Maxim's was also intended as a luxury hotel,<ref name=n115138292 /> with nightly room rates averaging $310.<ref name="nyt-1986-11-30">{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=Richard D. |date=November 30, 1986 |title=Manhattan Hotels Break the $200 Barrrier |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/30/realestate/manhattan-hotels-break-the-200-barrrier.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221233944/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/30/realestate/manhattan-hotels-break-the-200-barrrier.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Even though the hotel had opened after the [[Black Monday (1987)|Black Monday]] financial crash, the owners hoped to take advantage of a tax break that expired at the end of 1987.<ref name="p292652720" /> The Adrienne's restaurant opened within the hotel in early 1988,<ref name="nyt-1988-05-06">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Bryan |date=May 6, 1988 |title=Diner's Journal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/06/arts/diner-s-journal.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012239/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/06/arts/diner-s-journal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but a formal opening for Maxim's did not occur until June 10, 1988.<ref name=n115138409>{{Cite news |date=July 21, 1988 |title=Gotham's Landmark Back on the Blocks? |pages=6 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138409/gothams-landmark-back-on-the-blocks/ |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225020643/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138409/gothams-landmark-back-on-the-blocks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Maxim's made less money than its owners expected.<ref name="p277994707">{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Al |date=August 26, 1988 |title=Asian Firm Checks in at NY Hotel |page=47 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|277994707}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1988-08-28">{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=Richard D. |date=August 28, 1988 |title=Prices of New York Hotel Deals Expected to Jump |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/28/nyregion/prices-of-new-york-hotel-deals-expected-to-jump.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222004217/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/28/nyregion/prices-of-new-york-hotel-deals-expected-to-jump.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, the hotel was placed for sale a few months after it reopened, and several foreign companies expressed interest in buying Maxim's.<ref name="nyt-1988-08-28" /><ref name=n115138409 /> The hotel's retail space, which was being marketed at the then-exorbitant rate of {{cvt|1000|$/ft2}}, was vacant;<ref name="p219104676">{{cite magazine |last=Lebow |first=Joan |date=September 12, 1988 |title=Upscaling 5Th's Tony Property |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=4 |issue=37 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|219104676}}}}</ref> the owners had evicted all the commercial tenants.<ref name="nyt-1988-04-24">{{Cite news |last=McCain |first=Mark |date=April 24, 1988 |title=Commercial Property: Fifth Avenue Merchants; Prestige Tenants Battling Tourist-Oriented Stores |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/realestate/commercial-property-fifth-avenue-merchants-prestige-tenants-battling-tourist.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222010431/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/realestate/commercial-property-fifth-avenue-merchants-prestige-tenants-battling-tourist.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Peninsula Hotels ownership === |
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==== 1980s and 1990s ==== |
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In August 1988, [[Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels]] (HSH), the operator of [[the Peninsula Hotels]] chain, agreed to buy Maxim's New York for $127 million.<ref name="p135319100" /><ref name="p277994707" /><ref name="nyt-1988-08-26">{{Cite news |date=August 26, 1988 |title=Company News; Hotel Maxim's |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/26/business/company-news-hotel-maxim-s.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222004219/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/26/business/company-news-hotel-maxim-s.html |url-status=live }}</ref> HSH planned to rename the hotel after [[the Peninsula Hong Kong]], a hotel in [[Kowloon]], Hong Kong.<ref name="p277994707" /><ref name="nyt-1988-08-26" /> HSH did not plan to significantly change the Peninsula New York's operations; at the time, the hotel had 250 units and employed 200 workers. Goldman still owned the land under the hotel.<ref name="p277994707" /> Media sources said HSH's willingness to buy out the operating lease at a high price reflected a common view that a luxury hotel chain could not thrive without a hotel in New York City.<ref name="p277994707" /><ref name="p219124101">{{cite magazine |last=Agovino |first=Theresa |date=October 3, 1988 |title=Why Prices for Hotels Are Hitting the Roof |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=4 |issue=40 |page=21 |id={{ProQuest|219124101}}}}</ref> HSH officials believed the purchase price was justified by the presence of the ground-floor storefronts facing Fifth Avenue, as well as the three-story health club atop the roof.<ref name="p1538741714">{{cite news |date=October 23, 1988 |title=Profile Hotel Group Has Broad Horizons |page=25 |work=South China Morning Post |id={{ProQuest|1538741714}}}}</ref> When HSH took over the hotel on October 3, 1988, its occupancy rate averaged 30 percent;<ref name="p1539105306">{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Mark |date=October 8, 1989 |title=New York Peninsula Heads Towards Profits |page=63 |work=South China Morning Post |id={{ProQuest|1539105306}}}}</ref> this had grown to 50 percent by April 1989.<ref name="p135373672">{{cite news |last=Lebow |first=Joan |date=April 4, 1989 |title=That Thingamajig In the Bath Means You Have Arrived: At $300 a Day and Higher, Luxury Hotels Provide Bidets and Much More Luxury Hotels |page=A1 |work=Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|135373672}}}}</ref> |
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Manfred Timmel, who was appointed as the Peninsula New York's general manager, had to wait three months before his liquor license was approved. The Peninsula group faced a similar delay when it tried to obtain permits for the rooftop fitness center.<ref name="p1539105306" /> Numerous employees had resigned after the hotel was sold, and there were delays in training new employees.<ref name="p1952685195">{{cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Peter S. |date=June 4, 1989 |title=Invasion Of the Hotel Snatchers |page=B15 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|1952685195}}}}</ref> HSH also had to pay $5 million a year for the ground lease, in addition to the usual operating expenses and mortgage payments.<ref name="p135373672" /> Nonetheless, by the end of 1989, the hotel had an 80 percent occupancy rate, and it had accommodated such guests as musicians [[Rod Stewart]] and [[Sammy Davis Jr.]]<ref name="p1539105306" /> The hotel's storefronts were leased to tenants such as accessories firm Wempe's.<ref name="nyt-1991-03-03">{{Cite news |last=Oser |first=Alan S. |date=March 3, 1991 |title=Perspectives: Fifth Avenue; Retailers Place Heavy Chips on the 50's |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/03/realestate/perspectives-fifth-avenue-retailers-place-heavy-chips-on-the-50-s.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218205801/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/03/realestate/perspectives-fifth-avenue-retailers-place-heavy-chips-on-the-50-s.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A spa opened at the Peninsula New York in early 1991;<ref name="nyt-1991-03-15">{{Cite news |last=Drucker |first=Stephen |date=March 15, 1991 |title=In a Spa's Embrace: Nirvana of the Body |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/15/arts/in-a-spa-s-embrace-nirvana-of-the-body.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012243/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/15/arts/in-a-spa-s-embrace-nirvana-of-the-body.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the spa was expanded by the late 1990s.<ref name="nyt-1997-10-19">{{Cite news |last=Witchel |first=Alex |date=October 19, 1997 |title=Day Care for Grown-Ups; For Busy, Busy People in the 90's, The City Spa Is Booming. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/19/style/day-care-for-grown-ups-for-busy-busy-people-in-the-90-s-the-city-spa-is-booming.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012242/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/19/style/day-care-for-grown-ups-for-busy-busy-people-in-the-90-s-the-city-spa-is-booming.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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By the beginning of 1996, HSH had raised the hotel's room rates and was planning to renovate the Peninsula New York.<ref name="p219167028">{{cite magazine |last=Kamen |first=Robin |date=January 8, 1996 |title=Inn-Ovative Plans: Lacking Big Events, Hotels Promote Aggressively to Push up Room Rates |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=12 |issue=2 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|219167028}}}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'', citing unnamed industry experts, said the renovations were intended to justify the increased room rates.<ref name="p1620760250">{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Judith |date=December 19, 1998 |title=Not Enough Rooms at the Inns: Hotel Construction Unlikely to Solve N.Y. Problems |page=D1 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|1620760250}}}}</ref> [[Crazy Shirts]] leased a storefront in the hotel in early 1997.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Foderaro|first=Lisa W.|date=1997-02-28|title=Apparel Chain Signs Lease on 5th Ave.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/28/nyregion/apparel-chain-signs-lease-on-5th-ave.html|access-date=2024-08-04|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That December, the hotel's managers announced that the hotel would close for renovations the following month, although the fitness center on the top stories would remain open.<ref name="nyt-1997-12-07">{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1997 |title=Travel Advisory; Two New York Hotels To Close for Renovation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/07/travel/travel-advisory-two-new-york-hotels-to-close-for-renovation.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012240/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/07/travel/travel-advisory-two-new-york-hotels-to-close-for-renovation.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The renovation cost between $45 million and $55 million.<ref name="nyt-1998-11-25" /><ref name="p219170074">{{cite magazine |last=Sanders |first=Lisa |date=October 19, 1998 |title=City's Hotels Prepare Their Toilettes |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=14 |issue=42 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|219170074}}}}</ref> The project mainly focused on refurbishing the suites and guestrooms, although the public rooms received minor alterations. During the renovation, HSH added 14 units and replaced the plumbing and electrical systems.<ref name="nyt-1998-11-25" /> The renovation was completed in November 1998.<ref name="nyt-1998-12-20" /><ref name="p219170074" /> |
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==== 2000s to present ==== |
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After the late-1990s renovation, the Peninsula raised its room rates significantly, charging a minimum of $535 per night.<ref name="p219170074" /> [[Tourism in New York City]] had stagnated by early 2001,<ref name="p279555807">{{cite news |last=Wax |first=Alan J. |date=January 28, 2002 |title=Commercial Real Estate / WTC Businesses Check Into Hotel |page=D12 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|279555807}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kramer |first=Louise |date=April 23, 2001 |title=Economic Issues Tripping up Local Tourism Industry |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=17 |issue=17 |page=4 |id={{ProQuest|219196302}}}}</ref> but business was even more negatively impacted by the [[September 11 attacks]], prompting the Peninsula's operators to discount the hotel's room rates significantly.<ref name="nyt-2001-12-14">{{Cite news |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |date=December 14, 2001 |title=Hotels Expect Tough Times Next Year |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/14/nyregion/hotels-expect-tough-times-next-year.html |access-date=December 23, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223005452/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/14/nyregion/hotels-expect-tough-times-next-year.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The hotel's business had recovered by 2004.<ref name="p219170883">{{cite magazine |last=Fickenscher |first=Lisa |date=November 8, 2004 |title=Through the Roof |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=20 |issue=45 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|219170883}}}}</ref> During the early 2000s, the hotel's rooftop terrace was popular among those in the media industry,<ref name="p236318655">{{cite magazine |last=Torneo |first=Erin |date=April–May 2004 |title=NY Hits the Roof |magazine=Variety |volume=394 |issue=8 |pages=20 |id={{ProQuest|236318655}}}}</ref> and Salon de Ning opened on the hotel's roof in mid-2008,<ref name="Dobkin 2008">{{cite web |last=Dobkin |first=Kelly |date=May 15, 2008 |title=Thursday Opening Report, Midtown Edition: Crisp Certified Open, Salon De Ning Tomorrow |url=https://ny.eater.com/2008/5/15/6796223/thursday-opening-report-midtown-edition-crisp-certified-open-salon-de |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Eater NY |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223005453/https://ny.eater.com/2008/5/15/6796223/thursday-opening-report-midtown-edition-crisp-certified-open-salon-de |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-2008-07-06">{{Cite news |last=Kugel |first=Seth |date=July 6, 2008 |title=High on the View as Much as the Cocktails |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/travel/06weekend.html |access-date=December 23, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112212827/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/travel/06weekend.html |url-status=live }}</ref> replacing the Pen-Top.<ref name="Street Teclemariam Crowley 2008" /> |
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The Peninsula Suite on the 19th floor was refurbished in the early 2010s.<ref name="p1432155943" /> In addition, the Clement restaurant opened at the New York Peninsula's base in 2014.<ref name="p1609003442">{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2014 |title=Minimalism Meets Fine Dining at Clement |url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/minimalism-meets-fine-dining-at-clement-1412731240 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127125945/http://online.wsj.com/articles/minimalism-meets-fine-dining-at-clement-1412731240 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Street Teclemariam Crowley 2014">{{cite web |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Winemaker Dinner at Clement; Super Bowl Specials at the Butterfly |url=https://www.grubstreet.com/2014/01/the-butterfly-tribeca-michael-white-specials.html |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Grub Street |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223005456/https://www.grubstreet.com/2014/01/the-butterfly-tribeca-michael-white-specials.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York City]], and a corresponding [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism|downturn in tourism globally]], the Peninsula's hotel rooms were temporarily closed in March 2020.<ref name="p2522431072">{{cite magazine |last=Sachmechi |first=Natalie |date=May 3, 2021 |title=The Plaza Joins Hotels Reopening This Spring |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=37 |issue=17 |page=17 |id={{ProQuest|2522431072}}}}</ref><ref name="CPP-LUXURY – Business of Luxury 2021">{{cite web |date=March 19, 2021 |title=Peninsula Hotels Reports Net Loss of US$250 Million in 2020 |url=https://cpp-luxury.com/peninsula-hotels-reports-net-loss-of-us250-million-in-2020/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=CPP-LUXURY – Business of Luxury |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319132823/https://cpp-luxury.com/peninsula-hotels-reports-net-loss-of-us250-million-in-2020/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The hotel did not reopen until June 1, 2021.<ref name="CPP-LUXURY – Business of Luxury 2021" /><ref name="ABC7 New York 2021">{{cite web |date=June 2, 2021 |title=Famed Peninsula New York Reopens for 1St Time in 14 Months |url=https://abc7ny.com/peninsula-hotel-new-york-nyc/10730397/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=ABC7 New York |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223011051/https://abc7ny.com/peninsula-hotel-new-york-nyc/10730397/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, the hotel's operators began renovating the Peninsula again, with electronic controls and an Art Deco-inspired color scheme in all rooms.<ref name="MSN 2024 k294">{{cite web |last=Ellwood |first=Mark |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Fifth Ave.'s Posh Peninsula Hotel Is Getting a Fresh New Look |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/fifth-ave-s-posh-peninsula-hotel-is-getting-a-fresh-new-look/ar-AA1npes5 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=MSN}}</ref> |
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== Impact == |
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''The New York Times'' said that, because of the development of the nearby [[Plaza Hotel]] in 1907, "the Gotham never acquired its cachet. But its classically ornate exterior helped maintain Fifth Avenue's carefully crafted image as a boulevard of the elite."<ref name="nyt-1984-04-29" /> ''The New York Times'' wrote of the 1980s penthouse: "It is as if a French gentleman of the Belle Epoque had crowned his silk top hat with a spaceman's helmet."<ref name="nyt-1982-05-30" /> ''The Hartford Courant'' described the building in 1996 as a "beautiful luxury pile that sports the Manhattan bar with the best cityscape views".<ref name="p255792833">{{cite news |last=Morago |first=Greg |date=October 6, 1996 |title=Uptown Whirl Pursuing a Perfect Martini in the Ultimate Hotel Bar |page=F1 |work=The Hartford Courant |id={{ProQuest|255792833}}}}</ref> By contrast, Laura Landro of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' wrote in 2003 that the hotel's architecture severely constrained its layout.<ref name="p398936819" /> The hotel was used as a filming location for the 1969 film ''[[Midnight Cowboy]]'', where it stood in for the fictional Hotel Berkley.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gates|first=Anita|date=May 14, 2000|title=American Cities; Bright Lights, Big City . . . Action!|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/14/travel/american-cities-bright-lights-big-city-action.html|access-date=October 26, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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After HSH acquired the former Gotham, in 1989, a writer for ''The Wall Street Journal'' wrote: "You will check in at a leather-trimmed writing desk and never set eyes on anything so crass as a cash register or a mail slot. ... Even a lowly basket of bran muffins is served by a waiter in tails."<ref name="p135373672" /> A writer for ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' wrote that the decorations were "Belle Epoque gone trop" but criticized the relatively slow speed of the room service.<ref name="p1313977842" /> ''The Washington Post'' said in 1992 that the hotel's decorations, fitness center, and rooftop terrace "makes the Peninsula a welcome newcomer".<ref name="p307483375" /> ''The New York Times'' wrote in 1993 that the hotel's restaurant "offers deep armchairs and rose-tinted banquettes, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fifth Avenue and an energetic, hospitable staff."<ref name="nyt-1993-02-26">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Bryan |date=February 26, 1993 |title=Hotel Dining Regains Glow Of Long Ago |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/26/arts/hotel-dining-regains-glow-of-long-ago.html |access-date=December 22, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223012245/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/26/arts/hotel-dining-regains-glow-of-long-ago.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The hotel's 1990s renovation received several accolades,<ref name="p398936819" /> and the Peninsula New York has received the [[AAA Five Diamond Award]] every year since 1999.<ref name="AAA2022">{{Cite web |title=Five Diamond Hotels 2022 |url=https://media.acg.aaa.com/content/1205/files/2022-2021%204%20%26%205%20Diamond%20Hotels-Restaurants.pdf |access-date=December 22, 2022 |publisher=[[American Automobile Association]] |page=3 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430022312/https://media.acg.aaa.com/content/1205/files/2022-2021%204%20%26%205%20Diamond%20Hotels-Restaurants.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> A writer for the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' said in 2003, "If you feel flushed one weekend, the Peninsula's bathroom would be a great place to soak away your troubles."<ref name="p438648186">{{Cite news |last=Atchison |first=Marc |date=November 22, 2003 |title=New York State of Mind; Peninsula Hotel Soaks Away Aches Swank Property Caters to Shoppers |page=K17 |work=Toronto Star |id={{ProQuest|438648186}}}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[CN Traveler]]'' said the Peninsula's "huge, luxurious guest rooms, a top notch spa and swimming pool, an excellent restaurant (Clement), and one of the best service staffs in NYC make for an exceptional experience".<ref name="Nast">{{cite web |title=The Peninsula New York – Hotel Review |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/united-states/new-york/the-peninsula-new-york |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223005452/https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/united-states/new-york/the-peninsula-new-york |url-status=live }}</ref> The first edition of the [[Michelin Guide|Michelin Keys Guide]], in 2024, ranked the Peninsula New York as a "one-key" hotel, the third-highest accolade granted by the guide.<ref name="Elbaba 2024 u766">{{cite web |last=Elbaba |first=Julia |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Here Are the Four Top NYC Hotels, According to the Michelin Guide |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/four-nyc-hotels-receive-top-honor-michelin-key-hotels-2024/5353643/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=NBC New York |postscript=none |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613162910/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/four-nyc-hotels-receive-top-honor-michelin-key-hotels-2024/5353643/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=April 24, 2024 |title=These NYC hotels were just awarded Michelin 'Keys' |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/27-new-york-city-hotels-have-been-awarded-michelin-keys-042424 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Time Out New York |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615003706/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/27-new-york-city-hotels-have-been-awarded-michelin-keys-042424 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC) had considered designating the Gotham Hotel as an official city landmark in 1966, in part because of its architecture.<ref name="nyt-1966-04-28">{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1966 |title=31 Buildings Urged as City Landmarks |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/28/archives/31-buildings-urged-as-city-landmarks.html |access-date=December 21, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221195211/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/28/archives/31-buildings-urged-as-city-landmarks.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During the 1980s, preservationists had proposed designating the Gotham as a contributing property to a planned historic district along the midtown section of Fifth Avenue. The historic district was never created.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=February 13, 1985 |title=Developers' Lust Decried |pages=119 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79056117/developers-lust-decried/ |access-date=June 6, 2021 |archive-date=June 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606171341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79056117/developers-lust-decried/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The LPC again considered designating the Peninsula New York as a city landmark in the late 1980s;<ref name=n115138470>{{Cite news |last=Dolkart |first=Andrew S. |date=October 18, 1988 |title=Elegant Ghosts Walk the Halls |pages=63 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138470/elegant-ghosts-walk-the-hallsandrew-s/ |access-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225020638/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115138470/elegant-ghosts-walk-the-hallsandrew-s/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Peninsula group did not object to the proposed designation.<ref name="p2317083533">{{cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=February 8, 1989 |title=Horsing Around with Landmarks |page=319 |work=New York Daily News |id={{ProQuest|2317083533}}}}</ref> The LPC ultimately designated the Peninsula New York as a city landmark on June 6, 1989.<ref name="Diamonstein 1998 p.">{{cite book |last=Diamonstein |first=Barbaralee |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9uhOAAAAMAAJ |title=Landmarks of New York III |publisher=Harry N. Abrams |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-8109-3594-5 |series=Landmarks of New York Series |page=411 |access-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115124525/https://books.google.com/books?id=9uhOAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== See also == |
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* [[The Peninsula Chicago]] |
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* [[The Peninsula Bangkok]] |
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* [[List of hotels in New York City]] |
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* [[List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets]] |
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== References == |
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=== Notes === |
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{{notelist}} |
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=== Citations === |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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=== Sources === |
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* {{cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1697.pdf |title=Gotham Hotel |date=June 6, 1989 |publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] |archive-url= |archive-date= |ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989}}}} |
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* {{Cite magazine |date=Nov 1905 |title=The Hotel Gotham |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c005893188&view=1up&seq=60 |magazine=Architects' and Builders' Magazine |volume=38 |ref={{harvid|Architects' and Builders' Magazine|1905}}}} |
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* {{Sfn whitelist|CITEREFTauranac1985}}{{Cite Elegant New York}} |
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== External links == |
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* {{Commons category-inline|The Peninsula New York}} |
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* {{official website|https://www.peninsula.com/en/new-york}} |
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{{Midtown North, Manhattan}} |
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{{Fifth Avenue}} |
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{{Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Peninsula New York, The}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Peninsula New York, The}} |
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[[Category:1905 establishments in New York City]] |
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[[Category:Fifth Avenue]] |
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[[Category:Hotel buildings completed in 1905]] |
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[[Category:Hotels established in 1905]] |
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[[Category:Hotels established in 1988]] |
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[[Category:Hotels in Manhattan]] |
[[Category:Hotels in Manhattan]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Manger hotels]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Midtown Manhattan]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan]] |
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[[Category:The Peninsula Hotels|New York]] |
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[[Category:Skyscraper hotels in Manhattan]] |
Latest revision as of 06:47, 25 November 2024
The Peninsula New York | |
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Former names | Gotham Hotel, Nova Park Gotham,[a] Hotel Maxim's de Paris |
General information | |
Location | 700 Fifth Avenue Manhattan, New York City |
Coordinates | 40°45′42″N 73°58′31″W / 40.76167°N 73.97528°W |
Opened | 1905 |
Renovated | 1981–1987 |
Owner | The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited[1] |
Management | The Peninsula Hotels |
Technical details | |
Floor count | 23 |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | Hiss and Weekes |
Other information | |
Number of rooms | 241 |
Number of suites | 50 |
Number of restaurants | 3 (+ 1 bar) |
Website | |
www | |
Designated | June 6, 1989 |
Reference no. | 1697 |
The Peninsula New York is a historic luxury hotel at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. Built in 1905 as the Gotham Hotel, the structure was designed by Hiss and Weekes in the neoclassical style. The hotel is part of the Peninsula Hotels group, which is owned by Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH). The structure is 23 stories high and, as of 2022[update], contains 241 rooms.
The facade, made of limestone and granite, was intended to complement the neighboring University Club of New York building. It is divided horizontally into a base, shaft, and capital. A three-story glass penthouse, completed in the 1980s to designs by Stephen B. Jacobs, rises above the original roof and contains the hotel's pool and fitness center. The lower stories contain two restaurants, a lobby, and various other rooms across multiple levels. The hotel originally had 400 guestrooms, although this was downsized in the 1980s to 250 rooms, including a multi-room presidential suite near the roof.
The 55th Street Company acquired the site in April 1902 and developed the Gotham Hotel, which opened on October 1, 1905. The hotel was sold in 1908 after several failed attempts to procure a liquor license, and it was resold several times over the next three decades. The Gotham was acquired in 1932 by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which added ground-level storefronts in 1938 and continued to own the hotel until 1944. The Gotham was resold several more times in the 1950s and 1960s before Sol Goldman and Alex DiLorenzo acquired it in 1965. Rene Hatt leased the Gotham in 1979 and attempted to renovate it into the Nova Park Gotham,[a] but he gave up his lease in 1984 following several lawsuits and financial issues. A joint venture of several companies completed the renovation and reopened the hotel in November 1987 as the Hotel Maxim's de Paris, an outpost of Parisian restaurant Maxim's. HSH acquired the hotel's lease in 1989, renaming it the Peninsula New York, and renovated the hotel again in 1998.
Site
[edit]The Peninsula New York is in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. It is on the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue to the east and 55th Street to the north.[2][3] The land lot is rectangular and covers 12,552 sq ft (1,166.1 m2), with a frontage of 100 ft (30 m) on Fifth Avenue and a depth of 125 ft (38 m) along 55th Street.[3] To the west and south, the hotel is surrounded by the clubhouse of the University Club of New York. The site shares the block with 5, 7, 9–11, 13 and 15 West 54th Street; 46 West 55th Street; and the Rockefeller Apartments to the west.[3][4] The hotel is also near the Museum of Modern Art to the south; Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and 712 Fifth Avenue to the north; 550 Madison Avenue to the northeast; the St. Regis New York hotel to the east; and 689 Fifth Avenue to the southeast.[3]
Architecture
[edit]The hotel was built in 1905 as the Gotham Hotel and was designed by Hiss and Weekes in the Italian Renaissance Revival style.[2][5] The hotel building is shaped like a "C" and is arranged around a light court that faces the University Club building to the south.[5]
Facade
[edit]The facade was made of limestone and granite to complement the neighboring University Club building.[2][5] The facade is divided vertically into five bays on Fifth Avenue and six bays on 55th Street. Similar to other Beaux-Arts buildings, the facade is divided into three horizontal sections similar to the components of a column, namely a base, shaft, and capital.[6] Despite its sturdy-looking appearance, the facade is actually a curtain wall hung from the building's steel superstructure.[7] Originally, the hotel was 19 stories high and rose 254 ft (77 m) above the sidewalk.[8] After a renovation in the 1980s, the hotel had 23 stories.[9]
Base
[edit]The base of the hotel is three stories high; the first two stories were originally one double-height level.[6][8] Along the base is a series of triple-height piers made of rusticated blocks, which in turn form an arcade that wraps around both Fifth Avenue and 55th Street. On Fifth Avenue and the easternmost part of the 55th Street elevation, the first story contains flat-arched openings, while the second story contains round arches. There was originally a balustrade facing Fifth Avenue, which was removed after 1908 when the avenue was widened. There are shields with festoons above the second-story windows. The third story contains rectangular windows that are recessed from the facade and contain carved soffits. The entablature above the third story was intended to be a continuation of the cornice above the University Club's first tier.[6]
The hotel's main entrance is at the center of the 55th Street elevation and is placed within a rectangular opening. Above the doorway is a segmentally-arched broken pediment, which contains swags and a pair of sculptures on either side of a circular window. The sculptures depict the ancient goddesses Ceres and Diana. The doorway is flanked by large engaged columns in the Ionic order, placed atop pedestals. The columns are ornamented with vertical fluting and horizontal bands, and they support an entablature at the third floor. There are three bays of windows on either side of the 55th Street entrance. The two easternmost bays contain storefronts, while the other four bays contain double-height openings.[6]
Upper stories
[edit]Above the base, the hotel building's windows are all rectangular.[6] The 4th to 6th stories are clad with rusticated blocks and are treated as a transitional story. There are small pilasters above each of the 4th-story windows, which carry an entablature above the 4th story. In addition, the 5th-story windows are surrounded by large frames and topped by either segmentally-arched or triangular pediments. The 6th-story windows generally have simple frames, except in the outermost bays, which have elaborate surrounds.[10] There is a cornice above the 6th story, which is designed as a continuation of the cornice above the University Club's second tier.[11]
On the 7th through 16th stories, only the outermost bays are rusticated, while the center bays contain a facade of smooth ashlar. The outermost sections of the Fifth Avenue and 55th Street elevations contain two windows per story on each corner.[8][11] On both elevations, there are heavy scrolled brackets in front of the three center bays, which support a balcony. The balconies originally had iron balustrades and were intended to correspond with the University Club's cornice.[11] Above the 15th story is a cornice with garlands, above which rises the capital.[11] There are brackets and corbels at the 16th story,[8][11] above which is a double-height arcade on the 17th and 18th stories. The arcade contains circular windows with wreaths, as well as shields with garlands; its design was meant to visually complement the arcade at the base. The entablature at the hotel's roof is made of copper.[11]
The western and southern elevations are plain in design, with rectangular windows on a limestone-colored facade. The facade of the western elevation is rusticated above the 15th story, and the southwestern corner of the building contains a light court. The southern elevation contains a large light court at its center; at the 15th and 17th stories, horizontal braces cut across the light court. There is a copper entablature at the top of the southern elevation.[11] A three-story glass penthouse, completed in the 1980s to designs by Stephen B. Jacobs, rises above the original roof.[11][12] The penthouse, which consists of an angled framework, is not easily visible from street level.[12]
Interior
[edit]The hotel was built with four elevators, which were clustered at the center of the building. There were also three staircases: one near the elevators, and an enclosed fire escape at the end of either wing. One of the fire escapes was intended for servants' use.[8] Above the ground floor, the hotel was designed as a fireproof structure; the door frames and window frames were made of asbestos, and the doors themselves were made of wire glass. The hotel building also had fire alarms, which were relatively novel features when the Gotham opened in the 1900s.[13] The Gotham also contained dumbwaiters, a pneumatic tube system, and a system of pipes for vacuum cleaning.[14]
Public rooms
[edit]Basements
[edit]The hotel also had two basement levels. One of these basements contained the hotel's kitchen and commissary department, directly beneath the dining room.[15] The basements contained a laundry room, a refrigeration plant, and a garbage-disposal machine.[16] The garbage disposal was directly beneath the hotel's kitchen.[17] Also in the basement was a bar, which was not open to the public at the time of the hotel's opening in 1905.[15] This bar had a coffered ceiling and was designed in a Renaissance style.[18] At the time of the hotel's opening, New York state law restricted bars that operated within 200 ft (61 m) of a church's entrance; this law was technically still in effect at the end of the 1990s, but a looser interpretation of the law allowed a bar to operate within the modern-day hotel. Access to the Peninsula New York's cocktail lounge involves traversing a flight of stairs and a narrow hallway, so the walking distance from the cocktail lounge to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church was more than 200 feet.[5]
First story
[edit]The ground-floor public rooms were double-height spaces.[5] The Gotham Hotel was not built with a public lobby.[8][15] Instead, two revolving doors on 55th Street led to the foyer, a square space with Caen stone walls and columns,[8][19] a brown-and-gold ceiling, and a bronze chandelier.[8] To the right of the foyer was the hotel's office and the writing room, while to the left was an iron-and-glass partition that separated the foyer from the original dining room.[8] The writing room was decorated in red, gold, and green and led to a telephone and telegraph room,[18] as well as a stairway leading to a bar in the basement.[18][15] Next to the writing room was a hallway, which had its own entrance on 55th Street and led to the original ballroom on the second floor.[20] A square palm room connected the writing room with a dining room.[21] The palm room had marble columns with Corinthian capitals; a leaded-glass skylight with green panels; and a bronze chandelier.[19][21]
The dining room measured 40 by 100 ft (12 by 30 m) across, with a ceiling measuring 22 ft (6.7 m) high,[18][19] and had seats for 400 people.[22] Modeled after the Doge's Palace in Venice,[22] it was decorated in green and red, with walnut wainscoting, as well as columns supporting a coffered ceiling.[18][15] The dining room also had French doors leading to an outdoor terrace facing Fifth Avenue.[18][5] The original furniture was designed in the Georgian style.[22] Most of the original dining room was demolished in May 1938, when five storefronts were constructed along Fifth Avenue; the original office was converted to a new dining room at that time.[23][24]
Second and third stories
[edit]As a result of the mid-20th-century modifications, the modern hotel's lobby is on the second floor, above the storefronts.[5] The lobby was described as having a double stair and a chandelier hanging from a Renaissance-style ceiling.[25] The Peninsula New York has a small lobby to discourage loitering.[26] Because of the small size of the site, the lobby, lounges, and reception desk are on different levels.[26][27]
The second floor contained a women's parlor and a ballroom.[15][22] The ballroom was a double-height space decorated in gray and gold, with a coved ceiling containing frescoes of various cupids.[13] Following the hotel's 1980s renovation, the second floor contained a dining room with 76 seats, a bistro with 38 seats, and a cocktail lounge with 36 seats.[9] The various parlors were designed in a Belle Époque style.[25] During the 1990s, the Peninsula's restaurants were known as the Adrienne and Le Bistro and contained floral decorations. The restaurants were redecorated in beige and black in 1998.[28] By the 2010s, the restaurant spaces were occupied by the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Clement Restaurant and Bar (named after Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels CEO Clement Kwok) and the Gotham Lounge.[29]
The third floor was devoted to private dining rooms.[15] The event spaces could fit meetings, weddings, dinners, and parties with up to 250 guests.[30] By the 21st century, there were five function rooms with a combined floor area of 3,300 sq ft (310 m2).[31]
Guestrooms
[edit]Originally, the larger suites were placed on the exterior of the "C", facing the streets; the single rooms were placed on the interior and faced the light court.[5][32] The hotel had 400 guestrooms at its opening, consisting of both single rooms and en-suite units.[15][19] Each guestroom had its own bath.[19] The original rooms included mahogany furniture and brass bed frames; white trim; and carpets and wallpaper in various colors. Every guestroom and suite had its own bathroom and closet.[33] The dumbwaiters connected with butlers' pantries that were adjacent to each suite.[19]
When the hotel was renovated in the 1980s, it was supposed to contain 255 units, including 109 rooms with single and double beds, as well as 145 larger suites. The hotel also contained a presidential suite measuring 3,230 sq ft (300 m2) with a kitchen, study, conference room, and a room for security staff.[34] By the late 1980s, the Peninsula New York contained 250 units, including the presidential suite and 30 additional suites.[30][35] The presidential suite was known as the Peninsula Suite after a renovation in the early 2010s.[36]
The rooms were renovated in the 1980s with burgundy, gold, and black decorations, as well as purple bathtubs beside the beds. These were removed in 1986 before the hotel reopened as the Maxim's de Paris.[37] The Maxim's bathrooms were clad in travertine, while the bedrooms contained wood-cherry paneling with ebony inlays.[38] When the hotel became the Peninsula New York, the rooms were redecorated in the Art Nouveau style.[25][26][30] During a 1998 renovation, the rooms were further modified to include electronic control panels near each bed; a desk for computers and telephones; and larger, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.[7] In addition, the hotel was redecorated in a gold, cream, and black color scheme, with paintings by Robert Motherwell and Helen Frankenthaler.[39]
Fitness center
[edit]The fitness center at the hotel is located on the 22nd floor.[40] The pool is in a glass-enclosed room; during the summer, a sundeck is available. The hotel's spa spans 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m2) over three floors.[41][42] The spa contains 12 treatment rooms, a steam room, and an Asian lounge among other features.[42] The hotel's pool, measuring 42 feet (13 m) long and ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 feet (1.1 to 1.7 m) deep,[40] was installed in the early 1980s and originally contained a wave-making machine.[43][37] In the 1990s, children could use the hotel's pool during the morning and early afternoon, but the pool and other fitness facilities were restricted to adults during other times.[44]
The health club also contained a running track and juice bar.[9] By 2000, the hotel employed trainers who, for a fee, could accompany guests who wished to jog in the nearby Central Park.[45] After the hotel was acquired by the Peninsula chain, the roof included a terrace called the Pen-Top Lounge.[25][46] The Pen-Top was closed in 2008 and replaced with Salon de Ning.[47]
History
[edit]Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and Central Park South (59th Street) was relatively undeveloped through the late 19th century,[48] and many row houses were developed on the avenue.[49] By the early 1900s, that section of Fifth Avenue was becoming a commercial area.[50] The southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street was part of the old campus of St. Luke's Hospital,[51] which had moved to Morningside Heights, Manhattan, in 1893.[52] The southern part of the St. Luke's site became the University Club's clubhouse, completed in 1900.[53]
Development
[edit]The site at the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street was sold twice in 1901. The first time it was sold, the seller received $575,000.[19] Jeremiah C. Lyons resold the building in September 1901,[54] when a syndicate of investors bought it for $700,000.[19][54] The buyers, Henry L. Goodwin and Henry R. Hoyt, resold the property in April 1902 to the newly formed 55th Street Company, of which Goodwin was a chief executive. The 55th Street Company announced that it would develop a 18-story hotel on the site. The building would be designed by Hiss and Weekes and constructed by the General Building and Construction Company at a cost of $3.5 million.[55][56] It was one of four large sites on Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 59th Streets to be sold for development during the preceding six months.[57] Hiss and Weekes filed plans for the site at the end of June 1902.[58][59]
U.S. senator Mark Hanna of Ohio, along with the philanthropist Thomas Fortune Ryan, were major investors in the project,[19] and U.S. senator Thomas C. Platt also provided funding for the Gotham.[24] Frank V. Bennett, operator of the Arlington Hotel in Washington, D.C., leased the hotel for 20 years in August 1903;[60][61] the lease was not officially recorded until May 1905, by which time the hostelry was known as the Gotham Hotel.[62] Hanna had been one of Bennett's close friends in Washington, D.C., and had helped introduce Bennett to the Gotham Hotel's other developers.[15][22] Even after Hanna's death in 1905, his estate was one of the Gotham Hotel's biggest shareholders.[63] The hotel's construction was delayed significantly because of strikes,[15] which increased the construction cost by $250,000.[64] The facade and roof were completed in early 1904,[65] and, as late as March 1905, the hotel was planned to open the following month.[66]
John Jacob Astor IV, who was simultaneously developing the St. Regis Hotel across Fifth Avenue, had attempted to obtain a liquor license for his hotels, despite high opposition from local residents.[67] At the time, New York state law required that any establishment with a liquor license was required to gain the approval of the owners of two-thirds of all private property within 200 ft (61 m), and was required to be at least 200 feet from any church. The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, which was within 200 feet of both the St. Regis and the Gotham, objected to the liquor license.[67][68] Although the St. Regis eventually secured a liquor license by moving its entrance,[69][70] the Gotham had no such recourse, as it was much closer to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.[70][71][b] In May 1905, the Gotham's operators petitioned the New York State Legislature to change the state's liquor laws so that hotels with more than 200 rooms were exempt from the 200-foot restriction.[71] Governor Frank W. Higgins vetoed the bill in June 1905, so the Gotham was forced to open without a liquor license.[73][74] The hotel did originally have an enclosed dining terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue.[5]
Opening and foreclosure
[edit]The hotel opened on October 1, 1905; its first guest was Senator Hanna's widow.[15][22] Originally, the Gotham operated as an apartment hotel, and most of the units had already been leased to long-term residents,[22] including all the units on Fifth Avenue.[15] Other early residents included Platt and financier James J. Hill.[22] In addition, because the Gotham did not have a liquor license, it hired some employees specifically to obtain alcoholic beverages from nearby establishments.[70][75][76] By April 1906, the 55th Street Company was negotiating to sell the hotel for $3 million.[77][78] Meanwhile, in 1906, New York state legislators attempted once more to amend state law so the Gotham could obtain a liquor license without the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church's consent. Governor Higgins let the bill expire,[79] so the bill was introduced again in early 1907.[80] The state legislature passed the bill in May 1907,[81][82] only for governor Charles Evans Hughes to veto the bill.[79][83]
Bennett only operated the hotel for two years, and he sold his lease in October 1907 to restaurateur Carl Berger.[84][85] The Hotel Gotham Company, which operated the hotel, surrendered it to the 55th Street Company in December 1907 due to non-payment of rent.[86] Berger angrily quit as the hotel's manager on July 1, 1908, when Luke M. Boomer, Harry Merry, and E. R. Grabow took over the hotel.[87] Two days later, Gilbert H. Montague was appointed as the hotel's receiver,[88][89] despite Henry Goodwin's claim that the receiver had no rights to the hotel's operation.[86] William R. Wood and Charles L. Weatherbee leased the Gotham Hotel in August 1908 and appointed Frederick V. Weishart as the manager.[90][91] At the time, the hotel had never made a profit.[92] Bennett fatally shot himself at his Gotham Hotel apartment in September 1908.[93]
By late 1908, the hotel was unable to pay off relatively small debts such as a butcher's $741 bill.[64] A foreclosure auction was scheduled for the hotel in October 1908 after the Knickerbocker Trust Company foreclosed on a $500,000 mortgage.[94] The Gotham was overshadowed by more luxurious hotels, like the St. Regis across the street and the Plaza Hotel a few blocks north,[95][96] but the Real Estate Record and Guide reported that the foreclosure was solely because of the liquor bill.[5][92] Benjamin P. Cheney bought the hotel for about $2.5 million the same month, beating out two other bidders.[97][98][99] The sale did not affect Wood and Weatherbee's management of the hotel;[99] the men paid $175,000 a year.[63] Yet another bill to allow the hotel to obtain a liquor license was proposed in 1909, but the bill failed,[100] as did another in 1911.[63] The new owner, meanwhile, planned to convert the Gotham into a transient hotel and renovate the dining terrace into a Japanese restaurant.[5] However, the Gotham's terrace restaurant was demolished after Fifth Avenue was widened in 1911, since the terrace protruded 14 ft (4.3 m) into the street.[101]
Mid-20th century
[edit]1910s to 1930s
[edit]Among the Gotham's guests in the early 20th century were composer Victor Herbert, as well as pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the latter of whom lived there for sixteen years.[24] In December 1914, Franklin Pettit bought the hotel from Cheney for nearly $3.5 million.[63][102] Weatherbee and Wood continued to operate the hotel, even after the Hotel Holdings Company sold the Gotham to William and Julius Manger of Manger Hotels in October 1920.[103][104] The next month, the 2 West 55th Street Corporation took title to the hotel on behalf of the Manger brothers.[105] The brothers attempted to sell the Gotham for $5 million in early 1925, but they did not receive any offers that they deemed acceptable.[106] The Manger brothers eventually bought out Weatherbee and Wood's lease in 1927.[107][108]
By 1931, the Gotham was one of the few remaining buildings on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan that still did not have shops.[109] The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company moved to foreclose on a $2 million mortgage that it held on the hotel in March 1932.[110][111] Leon Leighton and Raymond J. Scully were appointed as receivers.[110] The next month, the American Hotels Corporation took over the Gotham's lease and appointed G. H. Wartman as the manager.[112][113] The Metropolitan Life took over the hotel in July 1932.[114] The hotel's managers added an airplane departure board in the lobby in 1933, which they claimed was the first such board in a hotel lobby,[115] and they also installed a marine room at the Gotham to complement the hotel's rooftop "sun deck".[116] The hotel was also the site of a notable suicide in 1938, when 26-year-old John William Warde jumped from the 17th floor in front of 10,000 spectators;[117][118] the incident inspired the 1951 film Fourteen Hours.[119]
Architect D. Everett Waid designed five storefronts at ground level in 1938;[120][121] the bronze-and-glass storefronts were recessed from the facade.[122][123] As part of this project, the original dining room on Fifth Avenue was closed and demolished in May 1938, and a new dining room was built within the hotel offices on the opposite side of the lobby. The hotel's offices were then relocated to the space previously occupied by the second-floor ballroom.[23] The original ceiling, designed by Hiss and Weekes, was preserved as part of the project.[124][125] In addition, space for exhibitions was created on the second floor.[125] The storefronts were leased to such tenants as jeweler Charlton & Co.[126] and the Grand Central Art Galleries.[127] The renovations coincided with the beginning of the 1939 New York World's Fair.[128] At the beginning of April 1939, a syndicate of Chicago investors, led by Arnold S. Kirkeby, leased the hotel for five years.[128][129]
1940s to 1970s
[edit]In 1944, a syndicate headed by Kirkeby bought the hotel from Metropolitan Life.[130][131] At the time, the hotel had 358 rooms and was valued at $2.25 million.[131] A cocktail lounge was added to the hotel during this decade.[5] Kirkeby's syndicate, the National Cuba Hotel Corporation, sold the Gotham in May 1955 to a syndicate composed of Webb and Knapp and Roger L. Stevens.[132][133] That November, Webb & Knapp and Stevens sold the Gotham and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to an investor for a combined $11 million. The Kirkeby Hotel Corporation retained its lease of the Gotham Hotel.[134][135] The Hotel Investors Syndicate, led by Peter J. Sharp, acquired the Gotham, Beverly Wilshire, and Saranac Inn in May 1957.[136][137] Subsequently, Sharp Ltd. Hotels operated the Gotham,[138] and it renovated the hotel.[139]
Webb and Knapp agreed in August 1961 to repurchase the Gotham, Stanhope, and Beverly Wilshire hotels from Evelyn Sharp,[138][140][141] Peter Sharp's mother.[142] At the time, the Gotham contained 400 rooms and 18-hour maid service.[141] Webb and Knapp completed its acquisition in October 1961 and immediately began contracting to sell the hotel, while continuing to operate it, as part of a leaseback agreement.[143] A syndicate led by Alvin Greenstein bought the hotel in December 1961 and leased it back to Webb and Knapp for 21 years, with sixteen renewal options. Under the terms of the lease, the hotel had to remain in operation until at least 1971, but Webb and Knapp could demolish the hotel afterward.[144][145] In 1963, Neal Lang was appointed as the hotel's general manager.[146] Webb and Knapp had lent $2 million toward a $3.568 million mortgage loan that had been placed on the hotel (with the Dry Dock Savings Bank holding the remaining stake), but the firm sold that stake in 1964.[139]
Wellington Associates, a joint venture of Sol Goldman and Alexander DiLorenzo, bought the Gotham in March 1965.[147][148] Wellington appointed Frank C. Bromber as the Gotham's executive director.[149] The new owners redecorated and repainted the main lobby and dining room, and they cleaned and illuminated the facade.[150] Wellington also bought two buildings at 23 and 25 West 55th Street and converted these structures into a parking garage.[150] The 18-story, 300-space parking garage opened in 1966 and was reportedly the first parking garage in New York City to be added to an existing hotel.[151] Prior to the garage's completion, guests had used various garages between Second and Ninth avenues; however, about 90 percent of short-term guests did not bring their cars to the hotel.[151] Goldman said in 1967 that both the Gotham and the St. Regis (which he also owned) were profitable.[152] By the next year, the Gotham's renovation had been completed at a cost of $1.5 million.[153]
The Gotham's main dining room and banquet department were closed in July 1970; the dining room reopened in March 1971 but only served meals on weekdays.[154] The hotel also continued to lease space to commercial tenants, including shipping company Italian Line[155] and shoe store Charles Jourdan.[156] Goldman began experiencing financial issues after DiLorenzo died in 1975, but he continued to own the Gotham.[157] Goldman and the heirs of DiLorenzo's estate eventually agreed to split up Wellington's holdings; as part of this process, Goldman retained ownership of the Gotham.[158]
1980s renovation
[edit]Nova Park attempt
[edit]Swiss hotel owner Rene Hatt signed a lease for the hotel in 1979, paying $3.5 million in annual rent for the first 20 years.[34] The Gotham was closed for renovations in 1981,[159][158] and Hatt intended to reopen it as the Nova Park Gotham,[160][161] a larger version of the Nova-Park Élysées in Paris.[162][163] He planned to operate the Gotham as an ultra-luxury hotel, charging up to $1,750 per night.[164][43] Hatt hired Stephen Jacobs to design the renovation, which included rehabilitating the interior and reducing the 330-room hotel to 250 rooms.[158] This renovation added the hotel's rooftop pool and fitness center.[165] The Nova Park Gotham was expected to include multiple restaurants and bars, a nightclub, various meeting rooms, and a business center.[34] This was one of several hotel projects being developed in New York City in the 1980s, which collectively added 3,500 rooms.[160][161] A group of European banks led by German bank Deutsche Anlagen lent $38 million for the project.[43]
When the project started in 1981, the Gotham was scheduled to be closed for two years.[166] The hotel's reopening was scheduled for October 1983,[34] then to February 1984.[167] The project had stalled by early 1984 after Nova Park AG had invested $120 million on the project, which had originally been budgeted at $30 million. Real-estate experts estimated that the developers needed another $40 million to complete the renovation, but Nova Park AG had not even paid rent for several months, and they owed $5 million in taxes.[168] Hatt had taken out $23 million worth of additional mortgages without the consent of his first-mortgage lenders.[43] The per-room cost of renovating the Gotham surpassed the cost of brand-new luxury hotels in New York City, which typically cost $180,000 to $200,000 per room.[164][169] One observer attributed the cost overruns to the "design-as-you-go" nature of the project, saying that Hatt had "unrealistic" expectations about the quality of the work.[164] In several cases, Hatt had ordered that a floor be rebuilt for aesthetic reasons after that floor had been renovated.[43] In addition, a large portion of the facade and about 100 steel beams had to be rebuilt.[43]
Goldman said in August 1984 that the developers had paid the overdue rent, but the Times reported that the building was still boarded up and vacant.[170] By November 1984, Nova Park AG surrendered the Gotham to its lenders, a group of European banks.[164] Hatt sued the banks, claiming that his lenders had mismanaged the project.[164][43] Further complicating the situation, one of the European lenders was involved in an embezzlement lawsuit, and local bank Flushing Federal Savings and Loan, which had lent $5 million for the project, claimed that the European banks had improperly taken control of the hotel.[164] The president of the Flushing bank was indicted on extortion charges in 1989 in relation with the Gotham Hotel.[171]
Helmsley-Spear was hired to market the hotel,[164] but no one was willing to buy the Gotham, as any potential buyer would have to spend $40 million to complete the renovation.[119] By then, the per-room construction cost had increased to an estimated $500,000.[43] Nova Park AG itself went bankrupt in early 1985.[172] Meanwhile, the European banks continued to pay rent on the site, even though the hotel was not making any profit.[159] After Nova Park AG gave up the hotel to its lenders, Goldman moved to restructure the ground lease, and he sought a partner to complete the conversion.[43]
Maxim's de Paris
[edit]Goldman was negotiating to lease the property to developer William Zeckendorf Jr. by mid-1985.[173] An investment group headed by Arthur Cohen began negotiating to lease the hotel from Goldman. The European banks were not willing to sell the Gotham at a substantial loss, so the negotiations took 18 months.[43] In July 1986, the Texas-based Pratt Hotel Corporation; the Southmark Corporation, which owned a stake in Pratt Hotels; and a group of investors including Goldman, Cohen, and Zeckendorf agreed to buy the hotel from the European banks for $35 million. Goldman would own a 46 percent stake in the hotel; Pratt and Southmark would own a 33 percent stake; and Zeckendorf, Cohen, and their partners would own 21 percent.[174][175][176] In exchange, the European banks were indemnified against all unresolved liens on the property,[43] and the banks ended their involvement with the hotel.[37]
Further details of the project were announced in October 1986.[177] Pratt planned to spend $40 million to complete the renovation. The hotel would be rebranded Maxim's de Paris Suite Hotel, an outpost of Parisian restaurant Maxim's.[174][175] This was part of a naming-rights deal that Pratt Hotels had signed with Pierre Cardin in 1984.[178] Ivan Boesky offered to buy the hotel for $45 million, but Pratt Hotels CEO Jack Pratt refused, citing the hotel's "prime Manhattan location".[179] Work resumed in August 1986.[37] Goldman and Pratt planned to remove some of Nova Park's modifications, including the decorations, which they deemed to be too gaudy.[37][179] Instead, the hotel was to have 300 units, two bars, and two restaurants.[37] A new kitchen and two elevators for room service were also installed.[180] Hirsch Bedner Associates designed the renovation.[9][181] Pratt's existing agreement with Cardin would give the latter a royalty payment amounting to 1.5 percent of the hotel's gross revenues, which would amount to almost $500,000 for Cardin in the hotel's opening year. The other co-owners, particularly Goldman, expressed skepticism about the value of the Maxim's name. Goldman had acceded to the Maxim's agreement by early 1987, on the condition that Cardin not receive any royalty payments unless the hotel made a profit in its first two years.[178]
Maxim's ultimately reopened with 254 units,[177][182][181] as well as 12,000 sq ft (1,100 m2) of storefronts.[183] By November 1987, the hotel's owners had launched an advertising campaign for Maxim's.[184] A preview event for the hotel was hosted the same month.[9][181] The first 200 units were scheduled to be opened in December 1987 while the other units, restaurants, and bars were to open in early 1988.[181] Maxim's was also intended as a luxury hotel,[177] with nightly room rates averaging $310.[185] Even though the hotel had opened after the Black Monday financial crash, the owners hoped to take advantage of a tax break that expired at the end of 1987.[9] The Adrienne's restaurant opened within the hotel in early 1988,[186] but a formal opening for Maxim's did not occur until June 10, 1988.[187] Maxim's made less money than its owners expected.[188][189] As a result, the hotel was placed for sale a few months after it reopened, and several foreign companies expressed interest in buying Maxim's.[189][187] The hotel's retail space, which was being marketed at the then-exorbitant rate of $1,000/sq ft ($11,000/m2), was vacant;[190] the owners had evicted all the commercial tenants.[191]
Peninsula Hotels ownership
[edit]1980s and 1990s
[edit]In August 1988, Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH), the operator of the Peninsula Hotels chain, agreed to buy Maxim's New York for $127 million.[183][188][35] HSH planned to rename the hotel after the Peninsula Hong Kong, a hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong.[188][35] HSH did not plan to significantly change the Peninsula New York's operations; at the time, the hotel had 250 units and employed 200 workers. Goldman still owned the land under the hotel.[188] Media sources said HSH's willingness to buy out the operating lease at a high price reflected a common view that a luxury hotel chain could not thrive without a hotel in New York City.[188][192] HSH officials believed the purchase price was justified by the presence of the ground-floor storefronts facing Fifth Avenue, as well as the three-story health club atop the roof.[193] When HSH took over the hotel on October 3, 1988, its occupancy rate averaged 30 percent;[194] this had grown to 50 percent by April 1989.[195]
Manfred Timmel, who was appointed as the Peninsula New York's general manager, had to wait three months before his liquor license was approved. The Peninsula group faced a similar delay when it tried to obtain permits for the rooftop fitness center.[194] Numerous employees had resigned after the hotel was sold, and there were delays in training new employees.[196] HSH also had to pay $5 million a year for the ground lease, in addition to the usual operating expenses and mortgage payments.[195] Nonetheless, by the end of 1989, the hotel had an 80 percent occupancy rate, and it had accommodated such guests as musicians Rod Stewart and Sammy Davis Jr.[194] The hotel's storefronts were leased to tenants such as accessories firm Wempe's.[197] A spa opened at the Peninsula New York in early 1991;[198] the spa was expanded by the late 1990s.[199]
By the beginning of 1996, HSH had raised the hotel's room rates and was planning to renovate the Peninsula New York.[200] The Washington Post, citing unnamed industry experts, said the renovations were intended to justify the increased room rates.[201] Crazy Shirts leased a storefront in the hotel in early 1997.[202] That December, the hotel's managers announced that the hotel would close for renovations the following month, although the fitness center on the top stories would remain open.[203] The renovation cost between $45 million and $55 million.[7][204] The project mainly focused on refurbishing the suites and guestrooms, although the public rooms received minor alterations. During the renovation, HSH added 14 units and replaced the plumbing and electrical systems.[7] The renovation was completed in November 1998.[39][204]
2000s to present
[edit]After the late-1990s renovation, the Peninsula raised its room rates significantly, charging a minimum of $535 per night.[204] Tourism in New York City had stagnated by early 2001,[205][206] but business was even more negatively impacted by the September 11 attacks, prompting the Peninsula's operators to discount the hotel's room rates significantly.[207] The hotel's business had recovered by 2004.[208] During the early 2000s, the hotel's rooftop terrace was popular among those in the media industry,[209] and Salon de Ning opened on the hotel's roof in mid-2008,[210][211] replacing the Pen-Top.[47]
The Peninsula Suite on the 19th floor was refurbished in the early 2010s.[36] In addition, the Clement restaurant opened at the New York Peninsula's base in 2014.[212][213] Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, and a corresponding downturn in tourism globally, the Peninsula's hotel rooms were temporarily closed in March 2020.[214][215] The hotel did not reopen until June 1, 2021.[215][216] In 2024, the hotel's operators began renovating the Peninsula again, with electronic controls and an Art Deco-inspired color scheme in all rooms.[217]
Impact
[edit]The New York Times said that, because of the development of the nearby Plaza Hotel in 1907, "the Gotham never acquired its cachet. But its classically ornate exterior helped maintain Fifth Avenue's carefully crafted image as a boulevard of the elite."[168] The New York Times wrote of the 1980s penthouse: "It is as if a French gentleman of the Belle Epoque had crowned his silk top hat with a spaceman's helmet."[12] The Hartford Courant described the building in 1996 as a "beautiful luxury pile that sports the Manhattan bar with the best cityscape views".[218] By contrast, Laura Landro of The Wall Street Journal wrote in 2003 that the hotel's architecture severely constrained its layout.[27] The hotel was used as a filming location for the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, where it stood in for the fictional Hotel Berkley.[219]
After HSH acquired the former Gotham, in 1989, a writer for The Wall Street Journal wrote: "You will check in at a leather-trimmed writing desk and never set eyes on anything so crass as a cash register or a mail slot. ... Even a lowly basket of bran muffins is served by a waiter in tails."[195] A writer for The Globe and Mail wrote that the decorations were "Belle Epoque gone trop" but criticized the relatively slow speed of the room service.[26] The Washington Post said in 1992 that the hotel's decorations, fitness center, and rooftop terrace "makes the Peninsula a welcome newcomer".[25] The New York Times wrote in 1993 that the hotel's restaurant "offers deep armchairs and rose-tinted banquettes, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fifth Avenue and an energetic, hospitable staff."[220] The hotel's 1990s renovation received several accolades,[27] and the Peninsula New York has received the AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 1999.[221] A writer for the Toronto Star said in 2003, "If you feel flushed one weekend, the Peninsula's bathroom would be a great place to soak away your troubles."[222] A reviewer for CN Traveler said the Peninsula's "huge, luxurious guest rooms, a top notch spa and swimming pool, an excellent restaurant (Clement), and one of the best service staffs in NYC make for an exceptional experience".[223] The first edition of the Michelin Keys Guide, in 2024, ranked the Peninsula New York as a "one-key" hotel, the third-highest accolade granted by the guide.[224]
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) had considered designating the Gotham Hotel as an official city landmark in 1966, in part because of its architecture.[225] During the 1980s, preservationists had proposed designating the Gotham as a contributing property to a planned historic district along the midtown section of Fifth Avenue. The historic district was never created.[226] The LPC again considered designating the Peninsula New York as a city landmark in the late 1980s;[76] the Peninsula group did not object to the proposed designation.[227] The LPC ultimately designated the Peninsula New York as a city landmark on June 6, 1989.[228]
See also
[edit]- The Peninsula Chicago
- The Peninsula Bangkok
- List of hotels in New York City
- List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
References
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ a b Although the hotel was known as the Nova Park Gotham from 1981 to 1986, it never operated under this name, as the hotel was closed for the entirety of that period.
- ^ The St. Regis is diagonally across the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street from the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, whereas the Gotham is directly across 55th Street.[71] Fifth Avenue is 100 ft (30 m) wide, and 55th Street is 30 ft (9.1 m) wide,[72] so the St. Regis is approximately 104 ft (32 m) from the church.[71]
Citations
[edit]- ^ "The Peninsula Hotels". The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited. Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
- ^ a b c White, Norval; Willensky, Elliot; Leadon, Fran (2010). AIA Guide to New York City (5th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 334. ISBN 978-0-19538-386-7.
- ^ a b c d "696 5 Avenue, 10019". New York City Department of City Planning. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ White, Norval; Willensky, Elliot; Leadon, Fran (2010). AIA Guide to New York City (5th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 333. ISBN 978-0-19538-386-7.
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- ^ "New Fifth-Ave. Hotels: One of the Costliest to Go Up on the Southwest Corner of Fifty-Fifth-St". New-York Tribune. April 19, 1902. p. 1. ProQuest 571198741.
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- ^ "F. V. Bennett Leases the Gotham". New-York Tribune. May 27, 1905. p. 16. ProQuest 571646055.
- ^ a b c d "$3,500,000 Price at Which Pettit Buys Hotel Gotham: Noted Hostlery on Fifth Av., Which Cost $4,000,000 And Failed in Big Fight to Get License, Is Bought by President of Realty Company of America". New-York Tribune. December 22, 1914. p. 6. ProQuest 575346395.
- ^ a b Tauranac 1985, p. 137.
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- ^ "Gridiron Dinner in New York.: Annual Spring Function to Be Held at Hotel Gotham – Gift From Mr. Kearns". The Washington Post. March 12, 1905. p. E2. ISSN 0190-8286. ProQuest 144573844.
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- ^ "St. Regis Gets a License: Astor Hotel Near Church Meets Requirements of Law". The Hartford Courant. July 25, 1904. p. 8. ProQuest 555233756.
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- ^ Koeppel, Gerard (2015). City on a Grid: How New York Became New York. Boston: Da Capo Press. pp. 17–28. ISBN 978-0-306-82284-1.
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- ^ "Topics in New York: Bills Against Raines Law Hotels Are Signed Low Resorts to Be Pursued Captain Voluntarily Reports That He Ran Down a Skiff and That One Man Was Drowned". The Sun. June 4, 1905. p. 3. ProQuest 537031082.
- ^ "How to Get a Drink at the Hotel Gotham; Fill Out a Blank and the Boy Does the Rest". The New York Times. October 4, 1905. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
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- ^ "Gotham Hotel Sold: Deal in New York Said to Involve $3,000,000". The Hartford Courant. April 26, 1906. p. 1. ProQuest 555370935.
- ^ "Ready to Start Work on New Water System; Board's Report on Preliminary Surveys Received by the Mayor". The New York Times. April 26, 1906. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ a b "Gotham Bill Vetoed: Third Time Measure Has Been Killed—governor's Views". New-York Tribune. June 23, 1907. p. 2. ProQuest 571907277.
- ^ "Bill to Give Hotel Gotham License". New-York Tribune. February 22, 1907. p. 8. ProQuest 571971765.
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- ^ "Gotham Bill Passed: Permits Liquor Selling Within 200 Feet of Church—to Governor". New-York Tribune. April 24, 1907. p. 2. ProQuest 572039059.
- ^ "Gotham Hotel Bill Vetoed by Hughes: Says If Exceptions Were Allowed in Such Cases, Law Would Be Patchwork. Hotel Gets No License Message Complains of No Distinction Between High-Class Houses and Places Which Are a Menace". The New York Times. June 23, 1907. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Victory for Engeman Heirs; Adopted Daughter of Racing Man Turns Over His Estate". The New York Times. October 1, 1907. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Frank Bennett Retires.: Former Washingtonian Leaves Management of Hotel Gotham". The Washington Post. October 1, 1907. p. 5. ISSN 0190-8286. ProQuest 144778200.
- ^ a b "Hotel Gotham in a State of Siege; Agents of Realty Company Hold the Hostelry Against Receiver for Hotel Company". The New York Times. July 5, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Berger Is Out of the Hotel Gotham; He Quits in Anger and Instructs Counsel to Sue for Back Salary". The New York Times. July 2, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Promoters Quarrel Over Carnegie Gift; Fall Out Over Division of $500 Sent For" Little Libraries for Benighted Villages". The New York Times. July 3, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Receiver". New-York Tribune. July 3, 1908. p. 4. ProQuest 572169639.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Under New Management; W.R. Wood and C.L. Wetherbee of the Buckingham to Take Charge". The New York Times. August 8, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "New Lessees for Hotel Gotham". New-York Tribune. August 8, 1908. p. 12. ProQuest 572124468.
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- ^ "Friends End Life Close Together: Frank V. Bennett, Ex-Manager Of the Gotham, And George Crouch Kill Themselves". The New York Times. September 13, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham at Auction; Fifth Avenue Hostelry to Be Sold on Tuesday Under Foreclosure". The New York Times. October 11, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
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- ^ "In the Auction Rooms: Hotel Gotham Sold in Foreclosure for $2,458,853". New-York Tribune. October 14, 1908. p. 9. ProQuest 572170761.
- ^ "City Puts $20,000 In Tuberculosis Fund; Dr. Meyer Announces That the International Exhibit Will Now Be Brought Here". The New York Times. October 14, 1908. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "The Auction Market". The Real Estate Record: Real estate record and builders' guide. Vol. 82, no. 2118. October 17, 1908. p. 745. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022 – via columbia.edu.
- ^ "Primary Bill Beaten: Assembly Vote 74 to 56 Measure Allowing Hotel Gotham to Sell Liquor Also Defeated". New-York Tribune. April 27, 1909. p. 3. ProQuest 572239496.
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- ^ "Hotel Gotham Sold and Lease Renewed; Franklin Pettit Purchases the Fifth Avenue Property for Nearly $3,500,000". The New York Times. December 22, 1914. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Sold to Manges Bros.; Property at Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Fifth Street Disposed Of by Hotel Holding Co". The New York Times. October 3, 1920. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Is Sold; Price Reported 4 Millions". New-York Tribune. October 3, 1920. p. 19. ProQuest 576298663.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Title Passes". The New York Times. November 12, 1920. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Rumor Hotel Gotham Had Changed Hands Is Spiked". The New York Herald, New York Tribune. February 7, 1925. p. 21. ProQuest 1112944763.
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- ^ "Buy Hotel Gotham Lease.: Manger Brothers Acquire Leasehold on Structure They Own". The New York Times. November 2, 1927. p. 48. ISSN 0362-4331. ProQuest 104030581.
- ^ "Few Shops Vacant on Fifth Avenue; Survey Discloses Only Twelve Stores Available in the Business Blocks". The New York Times. February 8, 1931. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Receivers Appointed for the Hotel Gotham; Chain Reported Ready to Operate 55th St. Property in $2,000,000 Foreclosure Action". The New York Times. March 20, 1932. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Newspaper Specials: Condensed Items of Financial Interest from American Newspapers". Wall Street Journal. March 22, 1932. p. 8. ISSN 0099-9660. ProQuest 131031141.
- ^ "Hotel And Restaurant News: Takes Over Two Hotels". Women's Wear Daily. Vol. 44, no. 69. April 8, 1932. p. 23. ProQuest 1654224532.
- ^ "President of Hotel Chain Optimistic About Business". The Daily Home News. April 13, 1932. p. 4. ProQuest 2264630048.
- ^ "Real Estate Transactions in City and Suburbs: Gotham Hotel Taken Over by Insurance Co Metropolitan Life Acquires Fifth Avenue Structure; Port Authority Buys Flat". New York Herald Tribune. July 9, 1932. p. 24. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1114735962.
- ^ "Airways Board Put in Lobby: Gotham Hotel to Post Plane Arrivals and Departures". New-York Tribune. July 18, 1933. p. 7. ProQuest 1329033635.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham 'Sun Deck' To Have Marine Room: Hostelry, Accentuates Its Long Tradition Among Seafarers". New York Herald Tribune. August 20, 1933. p. F10. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1115119270.
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- ^ a b Smith, Liz (December 2, 1984). "B. Altman's Is Going Thru the Roof!". New York Daily News. p. 9. ProQuest 2304361282.
- ^ "As Hotel Gotham Will Look Next Fall". New York Herald Tribune. May 22, 1938. p. C1. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1243084771.
- ^ "Hotel To Have Five New Stores". Women's Wear Daily. Vol. 56, no. 99. May 20, 1938. p. 2. ProQuest 1727938690.
- ^ "Alteration Job Develops Many Odd Situations: Story Back of Gotham Hotel Project Indicates Details Were Considered Fifth Avenue Side of Gotham With Stores Installed". New York Herald Tribune. July 31, 1938. p. C2. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1243086815.
- ^ "5th Ave. To Have Distinctive Shops; Five Artistic Stores in Hotel Gotham Will Be Ready for Tenants in October". The New York Times. July 31, 1938. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Not Stanford White Ceiling: Gotham Hotel Interior Designed by H. Hobart Weekes". New York Herald Tribune. May 29, 1938. p. C5. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1243021732.
- ^ a b "Stores for the Hotel Gotham". The New York Times. May 29, 1938. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Fifth Ave. Corner Taken by Jeweler; Charlton & Co. Leases Unit in Row of Stores Installed in the Hotel Gotham". The New York Times. February 1, 1939. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Fifth Ave. Stores Are Well Rented; New Home in Growing Long Island Colony". The New York Times. October 16, 1939. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Gotham Hotel Leased By a Chicago Group". New York Herald Tribune. April 1, 1939. p. 30. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1255012263.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Leased; Chicago Group Takes Over Today Operation of Hostelry". The New York Times. April 1, 1939. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Lessees Purchase the Hotel Gotham; Kirkeby Interests Buy 22-Story Building at 5Th Ave. And 55th St. For $2,350,000". The New York Times. June 27, 1944. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Trust Co. Sells 16-Story House In East 79th St: Apartment Building Taken by Syndicate; Broadway Corner Sold to Meister". New York Herald Tribune. June 28, 1944. p. 35. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1282882906.
- ^ "Syndicate to Buy 3 Major Hotels; Webb & Knapp and Stevens Head Group to Purchase Gotham and 2 Others". The New York Times. May 17, 1955. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Three Hotels Sold By Kirkeby Group". New York Herald Tribune. May 17, 1955. p. 34. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1327021637.
- ^ "Investor Buys 2 Large Hotels; Gotham, Beverly Wilshire Sold by Webb & Knapp and Stevens – $11 Million Deal". The New York Times. November 3, 1955. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Gotham Hotel Sold For $5½ Million". New York Herald Tribune. November 3, 1955. p. A10. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1327001449.
- ^ "3 Hotels Acquired by Investors Here". The New York Times. May 13, 1957. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Gotham Hotel And Saranac Inn Purchased". New York Herald Tribune. May 12, 1957. p. 25. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1324039540.
- ^ a b "Webb & Knapp to Buy 3 Hotels From Sharp For About $25 Million". Wall Street Journal. August 10, 1961. p. 6. ISSN 0099-9660. ProQuest 132673850.
- ^ a b "Mortgage Is Sold By Webb & Knapp". The New York Times. July 30, 1964. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "3 Hotels Bought by Webb & Knapp; Price for Two Here and One in West Is $25,000,000". The New York Times. August 10, 1961. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "Famed N. Y. Hotels Go to Webb & Knapp for $25 Million: Gotham, Stanhope, Another in West Sold by Mrs. Sharp". New York Herald Tribune. August 10, 1961. p. 19. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1325841074.
- ^ "Paramount Building Gets Woman's Touch". The New York Times. May 23, 1965. p. R1. ISSN 0362-4331. ProQuest 116750388.
- ^ "Hotel Deal Completed; Webb & Knapp Gets 2 Buildings Here and One on Coast". The New York Times. October 4, 1961. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Gotham Hotel Bought for $8,925,000: 21-Yr. Lease With Renewals for 329 Yrs". New York Herald Tribune. December 3, 1961. p. 49. ISSN 1941-0646. ProQuest 1325765351.
- ^ "Group Takes Title to Gotham Hotel". The New York Times. December 4, 1961. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Hotel Gotham Names New Vice President". The New York Times. September 12, 1963. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Wellington Buys the Gotham Hotel". The New York Times. March 3, 1965. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "Vaudeville: Wellington Associates Buys Hotel Gotham, N.Y.". Variety. Vol. 238, no. 3. March 10, 1965. p. 63. ProQuest 1505853403.
- ^ "New Executive Director Is Chosen for St. Regis". The New York Times. May 11, 1965. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
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Sources
[edit]- Gotham Hotel (PDF) (Report). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. June 6, 1989.
- "The Hotel Gotham". Architects' and Builders' Magazine. Vol. 38. November 1905.
- Tauranac, John (1985). Elegant New York. New York: Abbeville Press. ISBN 978-0-89659-458-6. OCLC 12314472.
External links
[edit]- Media related to The Peninsula New York at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website