Landmark Lecture – The Transformation of the Waldorf Astoria New York
- This event has passed.
About the Event
The New York Landmarks Conservancy, in partnership with The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York, cordially invites you to a Landmark Lecture.
The Transformation of the Waldorf Astoria New York
With Frank Mahan, AIA, Principal at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Tuesday, October 14th, 6:00 PM
Please note: This lecture will take place at The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York at 20 West 44th Street.
Opened in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria New York redefined American hospitality, setting a record as the world’s largest hotel and becoming the city’s “unofficial palace.” For decades, the hotel served as an Art Deco landmark and a centerpiece of New York culture.
After years of modernization efforts altered the original design by Schultze & Weaver, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) approached the Waldorf Astoria New York to return the hotel to its former grandeur, while positioning it for its next life. A methodical work of preservation, a meticulous restoration, and a comprehensive transformation reimagines the 1,400-room hotel into a 372-unit luxury residence and 375-key, five-star hotel. While 96% of the building was completely reimagined, the remaining 62,000 square feet—encompassing the landmarked lobbies, corridors, ballroom, and event spaces—was carefully restored to preserve its historic character. The result, according to architecture critic Justin Davidson, is “a renovation that combines museum-quality restoration mixed with back-to-bare-steel rehab.”
In this lecture, Frank Mahan, who leads SOM’s adaptive reuse practice and who was part of the team that led the project for SOM, will speak about the building, its place in the history of New York City, and the firm’s approach. Mr. Mahan serves on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, the nation’s largest and most sophisticated municipal preservation agency, and has long been involved with the commission through his work on the Waldorf Astoria New York.
This will be an in-person and online lecture on Tuesday, October 14th, 6:00 pm. The in-person program will be followed by a short reception.
Advance registration is required.
General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of The City of New York
20 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) Manhattan
www.generalsociety.org
General Admission: $15
General Society Members, New York Landmarks Conservancy Members, and Senior Citizens: $10
Students: $5