The Waldorf-Astoria is getting a major makeover — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
The ritzy redo will raise the profile of this grande dame of hotels, with no expense to be spared, sources tell Side Dish.
While sources inside the hotel, whose three restaurants include the Bull and Bear Steakhouse, confirm the major renovation, they told Side Dish they are not ready to release details.
New York’s interior design and architecture community, however, is already buz zing about the uber-renovation.
Noted de signer Alexan dra Champali maud will redo the interior, including the rooms and public spaces, sources said. Champalimaud declined an interview due to confidentiality agreements she signed.
Champalimaud’s projects include the Pierre, the St. Regis in Beijing, as well as penthouses at the Dorchester, London. Architectural firm Brennan Beer Gorman may also be involved, sources added.
At this time, our whisperer at the Waldorf, which was purchased just about four years ago by the Blackstone Group along with the rest of the Hilton Hotels chain for $26 billion, told us that the restaurants will also be redone, but no new restaurants are planned.
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The second phase of the High Line park is just the beginning of change on West 27th Street. Hotel Americano, designed by starchitect Enrique Norton, is slated to open late summer at 518 W. 27th St. It’s developed by Sean Ludwick’s Black House Development Corp. and run by Habita, a Mexican hotel group.
Side Dish caught up with Ludwick recently and is the first to disclose details of the hotel’s three restaurants: La Piscine, a 3,000 square-foot rooftop Mediterranean grill and bar; The Americano, a “Latin-infused, French-style brasserie” on the first floor with 120 seats; and a 3,000 square-foot “VIP hangout” bar/lounge in the basement, called El Privado. Son Cubano will also relocating to 544 W. 27th St. from 405 W. 14th St.
In addition, Chelsea art dealer Paul Kasmin will be turning former nightclub Bungalow 8 into another gallery — an art space with a sculpture garden, thanks to a deal brokered by Ludwick.