NEW YORK—Anbang Insurance Group revealed the second phase of the restoration efforts at Waldorf Astoria New York. AECOM, a global infrastructure firm, has been engaged through its AECOM Tishman business to oversee the construction underway to preserve and transform the property. AECOM Tishman served as the construction manager of record for the landmarked building’s initial demolition and pre-construction phase, which began in November 2017 in preparation for new construction within the hotel.
AECOM Tishman’s ongoing work includes construction throughout the building’s hotel and residential components, targeting completion in 2021. The property’s on-site residential sales office is also under construction at the corner of Park Ave. and 50th St., in anticipation of the start of condominium sales next year. Anbang has also engaged the expertise of consultants to oversee the preservation of several Waldorf Astoria items, including the Cole Porter piano, the World’s Fair Clock Tower, the Kennedy Rocking Chair and the MacArthur Desk.
Upon completion, Waldorf Astoria New York will offer approximately 350 residential condominiums, approximately 350 new hotel rooms and suites and renovated public and event spaces for guests. The entry-level room category for the Waldorf Astoria New York hotel will be 650 sq. ft., on average. Architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is the executive architect for the entire project, and interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon (PYR) is designing the hotel’s interiors and guestrooms.
Waldorf Astoria New York timeline:
- 1893: Hotel opened on the present site of the Empire State Building
- 1931: Opened at its current Park Ave. location
- 1993: Designated an official New York City exterior landmark
- 2014: Anbang Insurance Group acquired the property from Hilton. Hilton agrees to continue to manage the property under a 100-year management agreement
- 2017: Numerous interior spaces within the hotel are designated as New York City landmarks, including the hotel’s historic grand ballroom and Park Avenue Lobby
- 2018: Construction begins to renovate and preserve the property