NEW YORK—Affinia 50, located in midtown Manhattan on 50th Street at Lexington Avenue, recently completed an $18 – $20 million renovation to the guestrooms, suites and public spaces, including the lobby, second floor Club Room and corridors. The hotel has remained fully operational during the renovation process.
Re-imagined by architect Nobutaka Ashihara and international interior design firm Dawson Design Associates, the property’s modern environment was achieved through textures, rich woods and classic lines. The lobby features a city-chic color palate of black, grey, white and pops of red juxtaposed against the furniture’s rich wood tones.
Brian Gehlich, Affinia 50’s general manager, stated, “The completely renovated property includes curated elements that evoke a sense of familiarity, chic, modern and locally inspired in its design. We want the hotel to be a welcome haven for guests to feel right at home.”
To further enhance the feeling of “being at home,” Dawson Design Associates has worked to curate a collection of artwork, all in varying mediums, by local New York artists. The property will showcase the work of Montserrat Daubon and Pedro Villalta (sculpture and painting), Lindsey Wilner (street inspired abstract art), David Smith (blown glass), John Platt (paintings) and Wayne Takenaka (photography).
Affinia 50 has 251 redesigned guestrooms, 41 of which have been added during the renovation, including 100 rooms with kitchens and 19 with private terraces with Manhattan skyline views. The new design was intended for guests to feel as though they are staying in a stylized city apartment complete with New York City-based photography and selected artwork in each room.
The redesign of Affinia 50’s Club Room will incorporate striking new access through the lobby by way of a stainless steel-and-stone staircase.