Waldorf Astoria NY to Undergo Major Renovation

By IvyLee Rosario

Waldorf Astoria New York Park Avenue entrance

Anbang Insurance Group and AECOM Tishman have unveiled that the first phase of construction to renovate and restore Manhattan’s historic Waldorf Astoria will begin in December. 

Anbang has made significant progress toward renovating the property. The development team has advanced design plans, secured permits and carefully moved, preserved and stored prized historic items, including the Cole Porter piano, the World’s Fair Clock Tower, the Kennedy Rocking Chair and the MacArthur Desk. 

The Waldorf Astoria New York will feature restored public and event spaces, 350 new guestrooms and suites, as well as 350 residences. In March 2017, Anbang released design plans for the building’s landmark interior and exterior elements, which were prepared by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon. 

New York City history 

Constructed in 1893, the hotel opened at the present site of the Empire State Building. Later in 1931, it opened its current Park Avenue location. In 1993, the Waldorf Astoria New York was designated New York City’s largest private interior landmark. Anbang Insurance Group then acquired the property in 2014 from Hilton Worldwide, which agreed to continue managing the asset under a 100-year contract. Fast forward to 2017, numerous interior spaces in the hotel are designated as New York City landmarks, including the historic Grand Ballroom and iconic Park Avenue lobby. 

“After months of meticulous planning and careful preparation, we are ready to begin the next phase of the renovation and have assembled an exceptional team to advance the project. We look forward to working closely with AECOM Tishman to carry out one of the most extensive restoration and renovation projects in New York City,” said Brandon Dong, managing director of the Waldorf Astoria New York Project of Anbang, in prepared remarks. “The Waldorf Astoria New York is truly a global icon and quintessential New York City landmark, and our combined team shares a commitment to preserving this historic property’s legacy and restoring its original beauty while elevating it to set a new standard of luxury and hospitality.”

Earlier this year, AECOM Tishman was also tapped to act as construction manager for the 1,401-foot One Vanderbilt Ave. Midtown Manhattan Tower. 

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons