Rarely is one able to call an icon HOME. Marketing and sales of the new residences at the Waldorf Astoria is underway and offers mere mortals the opportunity to buy a home on the premises where the famous, rich, and powerful have laid their heads for the last century. The Waldorf Astoria opened in its current location in 1931 and the Art Deco design building was then the largest and tallest hotel in the world. The Waldorf has entertained celebrities, movie stars, music legends as well as Presidents, Kings, Queens and heads of state. Known for its legendary service it has been considered the unofficial palace for the world’s leading cultural figures, from the golden age greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra to rock and roll stars including Mick Jagger and Tina Turner. The current restoration of the Waldorf Astoria hotel and residences perpetuates the grandeur of the hotel’s history and positions the incomparable property for new generations of legends.
One feature of the Waldorf Astoria not affected by the historic renovation – it’s preeminent Midtown Manhattan location on Park Avenue spanning an entire city block from 49th to 50th Streets. In parallel to the re-innovation of the Waldorf several significant neighboring properties have recently been developed to a new level of modern sophistication or are in the process of completion. These multi – billion-dollar developments include 270 Park Ave., the 1,400 foot tall future headquarters of JP Morgan Chase designed by Foster + Partners and developed by Tishman Speyer praised for it’s climate-friendly design, 1 Vanderbilt, the recently completed skyscraper adjacent to Grand Central and already a must visit for its world class restaurants and observation deck complex, 425 Park Ave., a dramatic re-imagining of a dated full-block office building anchored by a new Jean-George dining palace with access to the new Grand Central Madison station. Legendary retailers, such as Saks 5th Ave., Tiffany and Co. Fendi, Hermes on 5th Ave and Madison Ave. are a short distance from The Towers. The current chapter of the Waldorf Astoria, according to The RealDeal, began in 2015, with the acquisition of the property by the Anbang Insurance Group for $1.95 billion from Hilton Worldwide Holdings. The new version of the property will transform 375 former guestroom suites and nearly 1,000 rooms into luxury condominiums which will sit above the lower 18 floors which are to remain dedicated for hotel use and amenity spaces. Myriad green spaces are sprinkled throughout the new building on former terraces and set-backs. The restoration is a massive undertaking from the sidewalk to the crowning spire.
Waldorf Astoria https://www.waldorftowers.nyc describes the new residences as classic grandeur and modern comfort, as designer Jean-Louis Deniot states, blending the old and the new “the European and the American” for maximum effect.
In taking a tour of the palatial grounds I could see that no expense was spared. Attention to detail is omnipresent starting with the, enclosed driveway which provides discretion from the prying paps eager for a photo. Just beyond the entrance a 24 hour/7 day a week doorman and Concierge Atelier await. Guests waiting for residents to emerge from the bank of 6 elevators can wait in the opulent Park Avenue lounge where you can practically hear the sounds of Cole Porter playing classics on his piano that takes ownership in the lounge just beyond the grand staircase with a chandelier that could light up all of Times Square.
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With dedicated entrances for hotel guest and residences the original architecture is on full view, from the manicured Starlight terrace to the Monaco Bar. An entire wing on the 19th floor is dedicated to residents’ leisure. Residents and their guests have plenty of options in which to play, for the card enthusiast, the Monte Carlo gaming room for those all-night friendly poker games. For those wanting to take in New York’s skyline, the Grand Salon beckons. Entertainment continues in the buildings stage and screen theater. The Empire Room allows residents to meet, socialize and entertain privately. If lounging by the pool is more your style, a 25-meter pool, above Park Ave on the 25th floor is available. The Fitness Center also includes the usual state of the art equipment, spa facilities, and treatment rooms solely for The Waldorf residents.
For those wanting to call the Waldorf home, a 3-bedroom 3.5 bath condo is priced at 9.8M boasts just over 2,300 sq.ft. If a pied- a -terre is more suitable, a studio is available for $1.885M but, if you require more space, a 4 bedroom is listed for $18.5M, a little more for Waldorf, the adorable Frenchie. Primary ensuite baths offer heated floors and custom Italian double vanities. Soaking tubs have been cleverly crafted in between frosted doors housing the rain shower and toilet giving the user privacy. For those that dream of being called a chef, the kitchen gives you the feeling of just that…the kitchens are custom-designed by Deniot with lacquer cabinetry and a Gaggenau German appliance package. Deniot goes on to say, “I wanted the backdrop to be as captivating as possible, without being overpowering”.
No matter the market, a strong demand for what The Towers offer – a plethora of opulence, beauty, service and world class luxury for residents and guests will keep the buyers coming back and investor’s resale values strong.