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Waldorf Astoria New York
Waldorf Astoria New York
New York, NY, United States
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Other Projects by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Waldorf Astoria New York
New York, NY, United States
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
1,000,000 +
The standards for American hospitality forever changed when the Waldorf Astoria opened in 1931. Setting a record as the world’s largest hotel, the city’s “unofficial palace” became a centerpiece of New York culture, welcoming celebrities and New Yorkers alike throughout its ornate lobbies and event venues.
After decades of modernizations significantly changed its original design, and following deep research into the building’s architectural history and role in city life, we have recaptured the Waldorf’s 1931 splendor inside and out. All at once, the project is a comprehensive transformation, a methodical work of preservation, and a meticulous restoration, and the interplay between all three approaches informed thousands of decisions over the course of design and construction.
More than 1.5 million square feet, about 96 percent of the building, has been converted from a 1,400-room hotel into a 372-unit luxury residence and 375-key, five-star hotel. For the remaining four percent—a total of 62,000 square feet encompassing the landmarked lobbies, corridors, ballroom, and other event spaces—we maintained, and in many cases reclaimed, their historic character and purpose.
The entire facade, which darkened over the decades, has been cleaned and restored. Artisans replicated deteriorated spandrels. More than 20 setbacks, many of which were filled with mechanical equipment, now serve as terraces. Among 5,600 windows, the one remaining unaltered window became the basis for a full restoration.
In the last 50 years, renovations to the building’s interior configuration, materials, and lighting significantly changed the experience. We restored the Waldorf’s original symmetry—an enfilade of public spaces that expanded and contracted in a dramatic, alternating rhythm. Each space has its own story, and through preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse, we returned the Waldorf to its 1931 look and feel, while creating an entirely new residential and guest experience.
After decades of modernizations significantly changed its original design, and following deep research into the building’s architectural history and role in city life, we have recaptured the Waldorf’s 1931 splendor inside and out. All at once, the project is a comprehensive transformation, a methodical work of preservation, and a meticulous restoration, and the interplay between all three approaches informed thousands of decisions over the course of design and construction.
More than 1.5 million square feet, about 96 percent of the building, has been converted from a 1,400-room hotel into a 372-unit luxury residence and 375-key, five-star hotel. For the remaining four percent—a total of 62,000 square feet encompassing the landmarked lobbies, corridors, ballroom, and other event spaces—we maintained, and in many cases reclaimed, their historic character and purpose.
The entire facade, which darkened over the decades, has been cleaned and restored. Artisans replicated deteriorated spandrels. More than 20 setbacks, many of which were filled with mechanical equipment, now serve as terraces. Among 5,600 windows, the one remaining unaltered window became the basis for a full restoration.
In the last 50 years, renovations to the building’s interior configuration, materials, and lighting significantly changed the experience. We restored the Waldorf’s original symmetry—an enfilade of public spaces that expanded and contracted in a dramatic, alternating rhythm. Each space has its own story, and through preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse, we returned the Waldorf to its 1931 look and feel, while creating an entirely new residential and guest experience.
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