The New York Palace Completes Second Phase of Renovations

Renowned San Francisco-based design firm BAMO, who was tapped to redesign the hotel's newly enhanced VIP Towers Rooms and Suites, was also employed to transform the private Towers Lobby. Notable New York-based architecture and interior design firm BBG-BBGM was retained to create a comprehensive master plan for the re-use of the hotel's public spaces as well as design interiors for two previously unused spaces of the north Villard Mansion: the new street-facing bar, Tavern on 51, as well as the exclusive, sumptuous lounge Rarities. Distinguished New York-based design firm Champalimaud was selected to remodel the hotel's main guest reception area and lobby, as well as a new bar, Trouble's Trust and the new Lobby Lounge. These new upscale establishments and redesigned lobby spaces will provide visitors with an elevated sense of arrival, welcoming patrons to unwind and socialize.

The inspiration for The Towers Lobby redesign was drawn from the classicism of the hotel's historic Villard Mansion, serving as a seamless transition into the soaring Tower's guest rooms and suites. Upon entering The Towers Lobby, guests are warmly greeted by a team of dedicated receptionists and concierge specialists. The new walls of the Lobby feature wood grain paneling with silk fabric insets. The space boasts rich warm-toned carpeting and fabrics, as well as colorful contemporary artwork. The lighting infuses a rich and residential atmosphere, emphasizing a sumptuous sense of arrival with beautiful artwork, flowers and designated seating areas.

“By creating this spacious new Towers Lobby, we wanted to provide a more gracious sense of arrival for guests,” said Steve Henry, BAMO's Principal for this project. “The new Towers Lobby is everything you would expect upon entering a landmark hotel and more – it's an elegant and inviting space for guests.”

BAMO's team for this project included Steve Henry, Principal; Brady Johnson and Landes Cobb, Interior Designers; and Carmen Bringas, Project Manager & Associate.

While staying true to the hotel's classic aesthetic, Champalimaud transformed the hotel's main Lobby into a brighter, more contemporary space by streamlining and redefining the existing architectural elements. To lighten the room, Champalimaud deployed a neutral color palette and layers of gold leaf trim. Vibrant leather fabrics, blue lounge chairs and artwork curated by The Art Advisory, add splashes of color to the off-white envelope. The Diego Rivera-inspired mural that wraps around the second floor crown molding was commissioned to New York-based EverGreene Architectural Arts. The abstract mural tells the story of the Villard family who owned a railroad and shipping enterprise during the industrialization age when the Villard Mansion was built. References to New York's harbor are represented through depictions of ships and trains.

A stone floor pattern inspired by an Italian Renaissance motif, made of Rossa Verona, nero marquina and carrara marble, grounds the lobby level. Other highlights include a massive sparkling chandelier, comprised of hundreds of hand-blown glass spheres, that draws attention to the Lobby's gold leaf ceiling and historic marble fireplace. A redesigned reception area showcases silk fabric panels and new marble floors.

While creating The Palace's new bar, Troubles Trust, Champalimaud aimed to capture the feeling of a ‘downtown' bar uptown. Under the Lobby's grand staircase, the den-like lair serving artisanal libations features sexy burgundy lacquer walls inset with traditional embossed leather panels. A glowing floor to ceiling wine display forms the backdrop of a long bar resembling liquid metal. Fluid c-shaped tufted leather banquettes and sleek chocolate leather lounge chairs provide flexible seating arrangements for guests to convene and interact in a multitude of ways within the public space.

Another original space, the Lobby Lounge is located near the hotel's 51st street entrance and provides a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The light reflected from the hand-wrought bronze sconces lining the lounge's rich macassar ebony walls creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The new design allows for an easy transition from morning coffee to afternoon tea and finally cocktail service.

“In reconstructing The New York Palace's main Lobby, we wanted to both honor the hotel's classic and historical elements and add a modern edge,” said Alexandra Champalimaud, President & Principal Designer of Champalimaud. “Now, the Lobby acts more as a transitional space. Previously, it was large, but undefined. There was not an obvious place to congregate. With the addition of Trouble's Trust and the Lobby Lounge, there are designated, energetic spaces to meet.”

Champalimaud's team for this project included Alexandra Champalimaud, President & Principal Designer; Winston Kong, Principal in Charge; Elisabeth Rogoff, Senior Designer & Associate; Stella Bok, Project Designer & Project Manager; Kelly Kimes and Ellie Lochridge, Project Designers; Rosalva Almonte, Liz Miller, Karen Broschart, and Melanie Li, Designers.

The inspiration behind Tavern on 51 and Rarities is derived directly from the north section of the Villard Mansion that the venues are housed within. The elegance of old New York and its everlasting spirit encompass these two very special spaces; one a public bar, one an exclusive lounge. The two spaces share a common aesthetic made up of colors and fabric that invoke an elegant authenticity routed in historical charm. They are decoratively connected by a landmarked staircase, as well as an illuminated metal and glass vitrine display case that extends through the center of the staircase. The vitrine was designed specifically to house the curated rare scotches offered at Rarities.

Tavern on 51 is open to the public with entrances both within The New York Palace as well as from 51st street. The venue's historic elements are embellished with modern touches perfect for today's sophisticated patron that seeks a spirited, yet warm and intimate atmosphere. The bar is ornamented with polished metal, glass, and mirror to display the glassware and liquor, adding an extra element of sparkle that plays against woodsy landscape. The venue features original stained glass windows, as well as a light sculpture that encompasses the entire rear wall that is balanced with metallic gold plaster and hidden light sources.

Rarities is an exclusive destination available to The Towers guests and is located on the second level of the Villard Mansion's north section. The venue draws inspiration from the days when gentlemen gathered to socialize over a drink and a cigar. All of the historical elements have been kept, with discreet antique and artifact embellishments that romanticize the bygone era of the 1880s. The eclectic mix of furniture and soft goods were carefully curated, and the rich, whiskey and deep aubergine color palette enhance the original millwork. The upholstered walls, specially-selected period art of oil portraits, marble busts, and historic maps, as well as the overhead ambient lighting create a golden glow throughout the space that caters to those special guests that appreciate a unique and memorable experience.

“The Villard Mansion is a historic part of New York, and we stayed true to that antiquity even when inserting modern and embellished pieces. The 1880s was a unique moment in time for the city, and patrons of Tavern on 51 and Rarities will experience the essence of this era,” said BBG-BGGM's Amy Jakubowski, Partner and lead designer for this project.

Two more culinary options will grace The New York Palace's lobby. Both dining venues are helmed by lauded Chef Michel Richard; one is a restaurant called Villard Michel Richard, the name paying homage to Henry Villard, the 19th-century financier whose namesake mansion is still a part of the hotel, and the other is a French market with café seating called Pomme Palais, whose moniker is a play on the “Big Apple.” The restaurant features two dining rooms, one being a gastronomic, prix-fixe, dinner-only option, and the other is bistro-style serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Jeffrey Beers International designed both spaces.

The New York Palace's renovations are scheduled for completion in fall 2013.

Visit website: www.newyorkpalace.com