NEW YORK—The Westin New York at Times Square has unveiled a new 45th-floor Empire Suite, an upgraded lobby and a new culinary concept with the launch of Foundry Kitchen & Bar.
The trio of enhancements at the 873-room luxury hotel are the topping of a multi-phase, top-to-bottom renovation totaling $39 million. The Empire Suite spans 1,800 sq. ft. atop the hotel, 45 floors above the action of Times Square. With sky-high views of Manhattan, the designers created an urban loft that is a chameleon for a variety of functions, from meetings to intimate events and cocktail parties.
It has a casual elegance that is reflective of its location and is complemented with the use of steel, glass, concrete and metal accents throughout. Highlights of the space include a glass writing wall for meetings, a fireplace portal that both showcases and frames the view and a headboard feature wall to reflect the skyline views. Custom lighting, casegoods and artwork by Museum Additions are some of the touches that set this apart from the other accommodations. There is one bedroom, a living room, kitchenette and two bathrooms in the suite.
The ICRAVE design team created a fresh new identity for the space that combines nature-inspired elements with an urban design. A pair of 1,000-pound tables made from a salvaged teak tree in Indonesia are focal points in the lobby; the massive tree trunks serve as a waiting perch for guests as they check-in or -out.
Designed to be a respite from Times Square, the newly launched Foundry Kitchen & Bar is located on the second floor of the hotel and features a menu of house-made shareable plates, as well as flash-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads and signature SuperFoods.
True to the name, old metal pulleys, wheels, and hinges sourced from upstate New York are used as artwork on the walls. The objects have oxidized with use over time, resulting in a weathered patina that adds a textural backdrop to the space. An oversized globe chandelier, stretching 9-ft. long, is a new beacon for the bar.
The previous phases of the renovation brought new guestrooms and corridors, featuring custom-designed elements and artwork, as well as 34,000 sq. ft. of meeting and pre-function space and expanded energy conservation practices. In staying true to its hometown roots, all consultants on the project, from designers to art advisers and installers, are New York-based.
