NYC's Iconic Plaza Hotel Shuts Doors for Major Overhaul

The legendary Plaza Hotel in New York City is scheduled to close its doors in January for a comprehensive four-year restoration project. This extensive renovation will focus on the landmark facade of the 18-story building, a crucial element of its architectural heritage. The hotel, which first opened in 1907, has been a symbol of New York's opulence for over a century. Its rich history includes various ownerships and renovations, with a partial conversion into condominiums in the early 2000s, resulting in 282 hotel rooms and 181 residences.

The architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, also known for designing the Dakota, created the fortresslike Plaza. Described by critics as "New York eclectic," the building is considered as vital to the city's architectural legacy as Grand Central Terminal. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the current operators, stated that the restoration plan is complex, requiring careful consideration of preservation requirements and the building's long-term care. Details on the specific work and its cost have not yet been released.