The Plaza Hotel
For me, The Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street falls into that ‘timeless, iconic New York institutions’ category. The cornerstone of Central Park’s southeast corner—it’s the first thing you see as you leave the Park, a beacon of history, architecture and of course, opulence.
But did you know that today’s Plaza Hotel is the second rendition?
The original Plaza Hotel was opened in 1890 after seven years of construction that was far from smooth. One of the more fortunate disputes was with the original architect who was eventually fired, to be replaced by McKim, Mead & White one of New York City’s most well known (and my favorite) architectural teams. They designed such masterpieces as The New York Public Library, The Farley Post Office, Villard Houses and the original Penn Station just to name a few.
The Original Plaza Hotel
Photo by Library of Congress
Keep in mind, Fifth Avenue in that time was known as ‘Millionaires Mile’, lined with over-the-top mansions like Cornelius Vanderbilt’s ‘chateau’ at Fifth and 57th Streets, very different from today. The Plaza Hotel was a welcome new addition to the neighborhood.
Photo by Museum of the City of New York
It had 400 rooms and was lavishly decorated, but didn’t last long. In 1902, The building was sold for $3 million (the largest cash transaction at that time) to Fred Sterry of Hot Springs, Virginia, who had plans for a new Plaza Hotel.
On October 1, 1907 the second Plaza Hotel opened after just 2 years of construction. It had 800 rooms (double that of the original) and was intended as a residential hotel at the time. Short-term guests were charged a whopping $2.50 a night!
Photo by Detroit Publishing Company
The main entrance was lined with French marble and all carpeting and furniture were also imported from France. There were two dining rooms on the main floor, one for the public and one for permanent residents (each having their own reserved table) “to be free from the intrusion of transients or simple diners-out.” It was very fancy and New York’s elite took to it quickly.
Throughout The Plaza’s 115-year lifespan there have been countless historic moments. We obviously don’t have time to talk about all of them—or do we? Some of my favorites are…
This is my favorite historic shot of The Plaza
Photo by NY Daily News
F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda spent a lot of time at The Plaza and because of that the culminating end scene of The Great Gatsby takes place there. Did you know there is a Fitzgerald Room at The Plaza? It starts at around $1,000 per night.
Frank LLoyd Wright stayed at The Plaza from 1954-1959 while he designed The Guggenheim!
Wright’s Plaza suite office,1955
Photo by Ezra Stoller / Esto
Photo by Associated Press
In 1964, The Beatles stayed there as they prepared for their first U.S. Tour! Does anyone know the venue where they played their first US concert on the tour?
My favorite piece of Plaza history is the story of Eloise. Eloise is a fictitious young girl who lives on the ‘tippy-top floor’ of The Plaza – created by writer Kay Thompson, who lived there in the 1950’s. The character of Eloise is said to be modeled after Liza Minelli, her goddaughter!
Photo by Bonhams
This famous portrait of Eloise was painted by Hilary Knight as a gift to Kay Thompson hung in the Plaza lobby until 1960 when it was stolen! It was found in a dumpster a few years later and returned to the artist who then tucked it into a closet for the next 50 years until it was unveiled for an Eloise exhibit in 2018!
Since the 1940’s when Conrad Hilton purchased it, The Plaza has had numerous owners. In 2005 Elhad Properties closed The Plaza for a $450 Million dollar renovation, reopening in 2008 and bringing it back to its former glory.
Today, condos at The Plaza go anywhere from $1.3MM for a one bedroom to $14MM for this three bedroom. It has its upscale lower level food court and of course, The Champagne Bar and Palm Court if you’re looking for something a little more high-end and luxurious.
The Plaza is a great example of a New York icon that has stood the test of time. I look forward to the day when a client of mine is interested in a purchase at The Plaza!
Photo by Wiki Commons
