The Plaza hotel has finally found a new proprietor for its famed Oak Room and Oak Bar.
Sources tell The Post that Arthur Emil, whose Night Sky Holdings formerly operated the WTC’s Windows on the World, destroyed by terrorists on 9/11, and the Rainbow Room, has signed with the building’s developers to run the two landmark spaces and room-service concession when the building eventually opens.
According to those familiar with the agreement, no formal announcement will be forthcoming from developers Elad Properties until a top-name chef is found.
Elad spokesman Lloyd Kaplan had no comment and Emil could not be reached.
Emil was one of several restaurateurs who had expressed interest in the Plaza project. One restaurant owner was Peter Glazier, whose Glazier Group owns several high-end eateries including the Strip House and Michael Jordan’s. He said he passed on the project “because of environmental concerns.”
“It’s a great space and we wish we could’ve made the deal,” Glazier said.
The hotel’s other landmark eatery, the Palm Court, which specializes in high tea and Sunday brunch, will reportedly have Didier Virot as its chef when the refurbished room opens. Virot, a former sous chef under Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is also creating a menu for a new champagne bar in the lobby, and for a lounge overlooking it on a new mezzanine, called the Rose Club.
The multicomplex building, which has high-end condos, retail space and a smaller hotel, is slated to open by the end of March, following a three-year, $400 million makeover.
According to a recent press release, more than 70 percent of the 160,000 square feet of retail space in The Plaza is already leased. Some of the tenants include hand-crafted cellphone maker Vertu, home-goods designer Jay Strongwater, luggage and handbag designer Ghurka, clothier Seize sur Vingt, an Assouline’s boutique and reading room, a Caudalie spa and hairstylist Warren Tricomi.
The retail area will also contain a large koi pond.
As the reopening nears, questions abound between the hotel union and management over who will work there. According to reports, some former employees have been asked to return to their jobs, while others have been given incentives to stay away. The delayed opening has been blamed on construction red tape.
The delay is due in part to owner Elad Properties’ decision to finish the property’s 181 private residences.