Rockwell Group transformed the GuardianLifeBuilding, gracing the Northeast corner of Union Square in New York City, into a new W hotel for Related Management and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The magnificent Second Empire building completed in 1911 incorporates design motifs from traditional European architecture. The grand four-story mansard roof and other features tie the building’s design to French architecture, from both the Second Empire style and the modern French mode that dominated Parisian architecture of the 1890s.
Nestled within bustling Union Square, the new W Hotel offers guests panoramic views of one of the most vital neighborhoods in New York City. With its fine restaurants, the famous greenmarket, boutique stores, publishing houses, and proximity to other landmark buildings and UnionSquarePark, the new W hotel is a celebration of the best the city has to offer.
The GuardianLifeBuilding has been magically transformed into a romantic, light filled conservatory offering panoramic views of the park and its life. The design concept for the W Hotel draws its cues and craftsmanship from the existing building and an eclectic mix of decorative arts. The greenery of Union Square is evident throughout, conveying a sense of the building’s being an extension of the park and tying into design elements from the parks and gardens fashionable in the early 20th century.
The design echoes the past, but offers guests the ultimate in contemporary luxury. Design elements include a luminous, warm living room filled with memorable details, gardens and comfortable lounge areas. The grand staircase transports guests from the lobby lounge and bar to the beautifully restored historic ballroom, two pre-function rooms, and four state-of-the-art meeting rooms, all with wonderful views of the park.
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