NEW YORK—MCR Development and The Brodsky Organization announce the debut of The High Line Hotel, scheduled to soft-open in May 2013. Originally built in 1895 as student housing for the General Theological Seminary, the 60-room property is located on a rare, cloistered community overlooking the High Line park and an enclosed private garden.
Retaining the building’s red brick facade, the initial phase of the interior design was done by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors, with the exterior landscaping executed by Beyer Blender Bell Architects. Blending eclectic Americana with European style, the property pays tribute to its English collegiate Gothic roots. The hotel is furnished with vintage pieces, unexpected artwork, and antique rugs sourced from around the world. The building’s Gothic architecture and dormitory’s original stained glass windows, moldings, pine floors, fireplace mantels, and stairwells have also been preserved.
Inside the lobby, where guests will be greeted and checked in wirelessly via iPad, a custom-built bar and seating area will serve as Intelligentsia Coffee’s first East Coast outpost. In addition to serving hand-crafted coffee and espresso drinks, the Chicago-based roaster will offer a menu of pastries, baked goods, and snacks. A private courtyard with banquette seating overlooks the gardens. Evenings at the hotel will see the lobby and rear courtyard transform into a bar atmosphere with cocktails and dining. In late summer, a front courtyard with cafe seating is slated to open.
Hoffman Hall, the hotel’s adjacent event and meeting space is a landmarked building constructed in 1899. At 3,300 square feet, the wood-paneled Refectory with six-foot tall fireplace is a unique location for events, fashion presentations, photo shoots, wedding ceremonies, and social gatherings. In addition, Hoffman Hall has three conference rooms and four breakout rooms.
