NEW YORK—Surrounded by well-known landmarks such as City Hall Park and the World Trade Center in Manhattan’s Financial District is The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel. In this city of iconic sights and sounds, the landmark building, a hotel since 2016, has a feature all its own—newly reimagined and luxurious Turret Penthouse Suites and Terraces.
The rooftop spaces were created in collaboration with The Beekman hotel team and Serge Becker, an industry creative and New York nightlife impresario known for being the inspiration behind some of Manhattan’s notable restaurants and clubs, including the Alley Cat Amateur Theatre (located in the cellar of The Beekman), La Esquina, Miss Lily’s and The Box.
The overall goal for the project? According to Becker, the focus was aimed toward raising the status of the hotel’s guest experience and expanding the reach of its design and entertainment options as a distinctive setting for corporate events and social settings.
“Through impeccable landscape design and the addition of lush, green touches, the Turret Penthouses offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling street below,” said Becker. “We are thrilled with the redesign and look forward to hosting guests throughout the fall and winter season.”
A respite from the world, there’s a feeling of being on top of it all. The revitalized spaces exude comfort, elegance and a well-heeled traveler vibe amid curated artworks and aged-oak floors.
General Manager Nick Hafer is the keeper of the flame here, enthusiastically regaling guests and locals alike with moments from the building’s storied past and the process of the extensive penthouse redesign.
“We pride ourselves on the interior and landmark facade,” said Hafer. “Upon arrival, the guest gets to enjoy interior views. The open atrium in the center is so powerful. When standing in that space, you travel from the doorman to the bellman to the concierge, and every step flows through the building. It’s massive.
“Every point along is not just a step, but a journey through history,” he added. “From our dark woods to Philadelphia red brick, the building itself was landmarked for its use of brick and terracotta, which was popular during the time of its origin.”
With the hustle and bustle of the city, there aren’t many places to get away from it all. The Beekman’s rooftop spaces are secluded, giving guests a sense of a private retreat.
“During the restoration beautification process of the building, the turrets needed to be reimagined to be the crown jewel of the building as they were the only uninhabited part of it,” said Hafer. “We wanted to make that a useful space for anyone who wished to be up there.”
Being open for a couple of years, The Beekman team saw an opportunity to enhance this upper floor for social gatherings. “There, it needed to be a place for love and life. The greenery and the furniture add to the design, bringing a warm, newly imaginative feel to the space,” he said.
A large wisteria trellis welcomes guests into a utopian garden setting. The hotel’s 800-sq.-ft. Turret Penthouse terraces are lush and green with ficus trees, rose bushes, hydrangeas, ivy and grasses to lend a bit of romance to the space. Here, restaurateur Tom Colicchio and Crafted Hospitality offer custom food and beverage offerings for a variety of events, including small, intimate dinners, corporate receptions, wedding celebrations or a curated series of intimate performances.
Just beyond, the 1,200-sq.-ft. Turret Penthouses, combined with the three adjoining terraces to accommodate up to 150 guests, make the historic building all the more special.
“What could be a more unique experience?” quipped Hafer. “You’re in a residence on top of a world-class hotel in Manhattan, dating back to 1881. The style and shape of the turrets is part of the building’s landmark status. That pyramidal shape at the top is what we talk about the most with guests. There’s even a 45-page landmark status document about the building, and there’s a lot of detail. The hotel’s design aesthetic is pretty incredible.”
Inspired by a writer’s loft, the original intent of the design for the penthouses was to create a place to dream, to be creative and to relax.
“The furnishings are eclectic. There’s a 30-ft.-high ceiling, a mid-century dining table and vintage objects displayed throughout,” said Hafer. “We drew inspiration from the building and ties to art, literature and theater. We listened to what guests had to say, and the feedback we received was that it felt like a warm chateau. You feel like you’re in a private residence on top of a luxury hotel.”
With a new chapter of the hotel written, Hafer hopes guests will experience their stay with a new sense of imagination and discovery.
“There are so many places to do things in New York City, and this is one of them,” he said. “It’s another opportunity to showcase a piece of history. Every piece has a story. There’s a story in the choice of stone and paint—it all has something to do with keeping the building’s history alive.” HB