NEW YORK, NY - Four hotels designed by Gene Kaufman Architect (GKA) – one a massive 325-key, 40-story Courtyard by Marriott-and-Residence Inn in Lower Manhattan – reach milestones this month. Together, they add more than 900 rooms to New York’s hotel inventory.
Said Mr. Kaufman: “These projects are just the latest indication that tourism in New York City continues to rise, reflecting the City’s ongoing appeal for travelers who want to visit one of the world’s most exciting destinations.”
In Lower Manhattan, the Courtyard by Marriott-and-Residence Inn, which was developed by the Lam Group, has topped out at 215 Pearl Street. Earlier this year, The Lam Group tapped GKA to take over the project, citing the firm’s talent for delivering unique properties while working within Marriott’s brand standards. The initial design was done by Nobutaka Ashihara, with whom GKA worked to transition the project. GKA also designed the interiors.
Also downtown, a 250-key, 30-story Hilton Garden Inn developed by the Magna Hospitality Group will open at 6 Water Street. The hotel has a complex building envelope that benefits from air rights obtained from the adjacent Hampton Inn, also designed by GKA. With upper floors offering harbor views and amenities on multiple levels, including a restaurant on the third floor, the hotel is a gracious addition to the area.
Uptown, two Garment District projects developed by the McSam Hotel Group, GKA’s frequent partner, will also reach milestones.
A 250-key, 22-story Hilton Garden Inn will open at 326 West 37th Street. The hotel has a contextual street wall and a projecting tower with a cantilevered bow-shaped featured floor.
Nearby at 337 West 36th Street, an 88-key, 23-story Comfort Inn (Choice) will top out this month. GKA’s expertise in designing hotels for slender properties can be seen in the design of this hotel, with its 25-foot site. The building, which has a stone base and a brick façade, is topped by a penthouse with an angled mirror-and-glass front.
