Plaza Hotel to close for years to restore its landmark facade
New York's Plaza Hotel will close in January so crews can repair its historic facade, NBC New York and the New York Post reported. The work could keep it closed until 2031. Condo owners will stay in the building, while hotel workers could go without pay during the closure, NBC New York said.
The Plaza Hotel in New York will close in January so crews can restore its historic facade, NBC New York and the New York Post reported. NBC New York said the closure will last roughly four years, and the Post said at least four years. If the work stays on schedule, the hotel could reopen in 2031.
The Post said Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the closure Wednesday. Plaza management said the timeline is "due to the complexity of this undertaking and significant intrusion to operations," the Post reported. The hotel's 282 rooms, the Palm Court and its event spaces will all close, it said.
The city has deemed the facade unsafe, according to Department of Buildings schematics obtained by NBC New York. The department said photos showed evidence of unsafe conditions. New city laws would allow $6,000 monthly fines to start in January, which the hotel is looking to avoid, NBC New York reported. City Council Member Virginia Maloney said she has heard "there's only one or two suppliers that can provide the materials needed to modernize the facade."
People who own condos in the building will not have to move out, NBC New York reported. Owners use their own entrance on the 58th Street side, the Post said. The Post reported that residents had known about the plan for months, and Corcoran broker Kane Manera said he first heard about it "early this year."
Michael Passaro, a Douglas Elliman broker, told the Post there are about 29 units on the market. "I think it is going to be difficult to sell in the building over the next couple years," he said. Manera said the work could pay off later, calling the renovated hotel "a slingshot for sales."
Nearly 400 people work at the hotel, and they could go without pay during the repairs, NBC New York reported. "I am concerned about the workers who will get health care and benefits but likely to be without wages for the entire duration," said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. The Post said the 378 union workers will be allowed back at the same pay when the hotel reopens, according to the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council.
The 119-year-old hotel opened in 1907 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, NBC New York reported.
What we know: The Plaza will close in January for repairs that could last until 2031.
What we don't: How much the work will cost and what will happen to weddings planned there.
Where outlets agree NBC New York and the New York Post both report that the 119-year-old hotel will close in January and could stay closed until 2031.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.