May 9 2013
W New York - Union Square today unveiled the completion of a multi-layered renovation project that merges traditional and contemporary styles to offer a fashionable escape in the heart of Manhattan’s liveliest neighborhoods.
The transformation is part of the W brand’s ongoing, $100 million commitment to the renovation of more than 11 of its properties across North America, and includes a full re-design of the hotel’s 270 guestrooms and top suites, W Living Room, Todd English’s iconic Olives New York, and destination bar Lilium by Gerber Group (previously Underbar). Inspired by the neighborhood’s junction of uptown and downtown New York City, the renovation also preserves original design details of the landmark 1911 Beaux Arts building, including its turn-of-the century Great Room with 23-foot high gilded ceilings and grand windows which was restored late last year.
“Since opening in 2004, W Union Square has been an anchor of the neighborhood and a destination for both out-of-town guests and local tastemakers, offering a unique mix of classic and contemporary styles,” says Carlos Becil, Vice President, Brand Management, North America for W Hotels Worldwide. “With the completion of the re-design, we’re thrilled to introduce a new era of cutting-edge design and experiences for both guests and locals alike."
Mix & Mingle…The W Living Room
The new design of the W Union Square Living Room, by New York based design firm Krause + Sawyer, creates an atmosphere that is ideal for conducting business by day and enjoying Union Square’s thriving social scene by night. The W Living Room’s expanded seating area uses contrasting patterns and textures including: custom window seating in metallic leather, green tiger leather-backed houndstooth chairs, a u-shaped chesterfield sofa in embossed black paisley leather, and a tufted sofa in electric blue crocodile. A dramatic, beaded chain ceiling installation brings a feeling of downtown grit, while a black steel communal table, equipped with inlay plugs for chargers, encourages guests to mix and mingle while staying connected. Traditional lanterns and urns have been artfully tagged by local Bronx graffiti collective, TatsCru, a select few of which are available for purchase for a limited time through the hotel’s Whatever/Whenever® service.
Uptown Meets Downtown Upstairs…The Guest Rooms + Suites
In collaboration with renowned design firms d-ash design and Wilson Associates, each of the hotel’s 270 remodeled guest rooms and suites are anchored by a sculptural headboard representing an abstract view of Union Square and embody a purposeful collision of unlikely materials and playfulness of scale throughout. A nod to the fashions of the neighborhood, silver window coverings are brightly stitched together with silk fabric mimicking a man’s tie, while wall coverings in a soft, sophisticated “Park Avenue” white are contrasted with a bohemian metallic blue. Designed to be transformed from a stylish hotel suite into a fashionable event venue, the Extreme WOW® Suite (the W brand’s take on the Presidential Suite) is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities including wall units that can easily interchange from dining room table to space for a DJ booth.
Indulge… Lilium and Olives New York
The hotel’s milestone renovation also includes the re-design of its destination bar Lilium, as well as a complete renovation of Todd English’s iconic Olives New York restaurant. Lilium, the hotel’s subterranean nightspot, sits seductively beneath the hotel’s façade. Re-designed by Gulla Jonsdottir of G+Design and inspired by the intricate look of a cave of wild lilies, key features of the 1,600 sq. ft. interior include a twisted metal ceiling that cascades down the walls and complements the sculptural black steel lilies, created by acclaimed metal artist Scot Brown. Contoured wood and gold-tone accents enrich the raw elements to evoke a dark, feminine energy and brooding intimacy. The new design of Olives New York, by Jeffrey Beers International, uses sophisticated combinations of textures and materials—including dark woods and blackened steel that embraces a warm, rich aesthetic. The expanded bar, now located in the center of the space, creates a vibrant hub in the heart of the restaurant while new seating choices from u-shaped banquettes, an elevated chef’s table, to a nine-seat raw bar along the signature open kitchen, offer guests a multilayered dining experience.
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