The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, will open its doors to the public October 5th 2023. The property is a historical gem, which has been lovingly transformed by a collection of some of the most creative minds across design, art, gastronomy and hospitality.
The opening marks a ground-breaking new chapter for the New York landmark, introducing a transformational escape in the heart of Manhattan.
THE LOCATION
The Fifth Avenue Hotel is perfectly positioned on the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street, steps away from Madison Square Park in the Nomad neighbourhood. Madison Square Park is the epicentre of New York, with easy access to uptown and downtown, as well as playing host to some of the city’s hottest restaurants, bars, shops, museums and Broadway Shows, alongside the famous Flower Market.
THE HISTORY
The building that was once a bank, now transformed into a luxury hotel, comprises The Mansion, a historic landmark; and the addition of The Tower, a striking new 24-story glass tower which has been developed under the guidance of the owner Alex Ohebshalom. The grand mansion was once the home and carriage house of Ms. Charlotte Goodridge, a leading figure in Manhattan’s Gilded Age society, whose address was known for her infamous receptions and musicals in the late 19th century. In 1907 The Mansion was sold, and a new vision emerged: a five-story Renaissance palazzo designed by the now-legendary McKim, Mead & White Architects of the Washington Square Arch, The Brooklyn Museum, and many other quintessential New York spaces. The Mansion will reopen following a meticulous seven-year, full-scale renovation, restoring the brick and limestone building to its former grandeur.
THE DESIGN
Led by internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the hotel features 153 guest rooms and suites, many of which offer private terraces. Brudnizki worked closely with Alex Ohebshalom to ensure the design was inspired by the history and heritage of The Mansion. Different to any of his previous projects, MBDS pays homage to the legacy and lifestyle of those who once resided on Fifth Avenue, offering a distinctly residential vision that immerses guests in old-world glamour. Inside, the collaborative design scheme was centred on three main themes: The Collector – MBDS reimagined a private home replete with an eclectic collection of objects, art and furnishings, Looking back in order to look forward – utilising classical detailing whilst abstracting them into a modern form and Romanticism – The Fifth hasn’t been designed with trends in mind, but rather, as a return to glamour, elegance and sophistication.
Design highlights include ruched pink silk-lined elevator landings, glittery chandeliers, a sweeping marble lobby lined with antique mirror-panelled walls, filled with bold custom-made furniture, as well as bookcases that resemble traditional black lacquered Chinese cabinets from the 19th century. There will be gilded detailing and accents of brass, with Murano glass chandeliers, as well as Storyboard corridors, decorated in ikat fabrics or scenic wallcoverings, telling the adventures of a prolific art collector. There is a library which draws inspiration from the residential designs of Italian villas and The Terrace, a rarity in Manhattan, which resembles a verdant, tumbling English Garden.
DINING & CELEBRATIONS
The Fifth Avenue Hotel will become an outstanding gastronomic destination, with an array of restaurants and bars under the culinary direction of Chef Andrew Carmellini (of Locanda Verde, The Dutch, Lafayette, Bar Primi, Rec Pier Chop House, Carne Mare and more). Outlets include the hotel’s destination Signature Restaurant, as well as The Study, an intimate Portrait Bar and The Terrace, among others. The hotel will also offer some of New York’s most sought-after venues for events and celebrations. Just below the hotel’s signature restaurant, the Wine Vault – with its 42-foot-high-ceilings – will provide the ideal setting for an intimate dinner. Reminiscent of the Gilded Age, The Ballroom offers 2,800 sq. ft. of space, featuring original architectural detailing, coffered ceilings and a stunning colour palette with blue and gold accents.
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