NEW YORK— New Yorks 805-room Plaza Hotel will close its doors April 30 and will be transformed into a combination of upscale condominiums, stores and a much smaller, 150-room hotel, according to reports. Expected to reopen late 2006, the property should house 200 condominiums and multi-level retail space in addition to the hotel rooms, which will be located in the buildings 58th St. side. The condos will be built on the top 12 floors of the 19 story Plaza building, as well as on some of the lower floors facing Central Park, according to reports. Some of the hotels famous restaurants, including the Oak Room, Oak Bar, and Palm Court will reopen but could have new names and new menus. The Oyster Bar will be converted into retail space, reports said. The main ballroom will remain unchanged.
