NEW YORK—Apple Core Hotels, which owns five centrally-located Manhattan properties, has unveiled a lobby renovation at the historic, Beaux-Arts 32nd Street hotel, originally The Aberdeen, in time for the building’s 110th anniversary. The redesign and repositioning of the hotel’s lobby and breakfast room, at what is now La Quinta Manhattan on West 32nd Street, juxtaposes turn-of-the-century architecture with the technology and convenience of today and the design aesthetics of a boutique hotel.
Interior Designer Jessica Shaw of Moment Design + Productions oversaw the lobby renovation of the landmarked building. Shaw’s design enhances La Quinta Manhattan with Gilded Age décor, furniture, and custom photography throughout the hotel to reflect the sculptural brick and limestone exterior of the property.
“Design features are inspired by the architectural and decorative detailing of this landmark building,” Shaw said. “The renovation is a simplistic and clean homage to the Golden Age of New York during the Beaux Arts period, when the building’s history first began.”
With European style and influence, the redesign incorporated sculptural decoration with conservative modern lines. Visitors are greeted at the entryway with a black and white photograph of the upper levels of the building transposed on a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. The photo brings the outside in with a closer look at the Baroque style windows, limestone, and brickwork of the facade. The horizontal courses of limestone found on the lower portion of the building’s exterior served as inspiration for a modern, tiled wall art installation with integrated strip lighting. A communal technology docking and work station, complete with free WiFi, centers the lobby, while a seating area in the back is complemented by art-deco paneled walls and a fireplace.
Anchoring the lobby is the redesigned breakfast room. Taking the place of walls, Shaw and her team have installed ebonized wood slat screens surrounding the dining area. These screens enhance the open floor plan while serving as an innovative way to blend the two spaces.
“During this renovation we took the opportunity to redefine the space, adding subtle design nods to the structure’s history which dates back to 1904,” said Vijay Dandapani, president of Apple Core Hotels. “Guests can enjoy a completely refreshed lobby experience while still receiving the quality of service and amenities Apple Core Hotels has become known for in a convenient midtown location.”
