NEW YORK—The Knickerbocker Hotel announces a partnership with Gabellini Sheppard Associates, a New York-based architectural and interior design firm. The luxury property, situated on the southeast corner of 42nd Street, overlooking Times Square between Broadway and Bryant Park, has commissioned Gabellini Sheppard to oversee the design of all public areas, as well as all 330 guestrooms, including 40 suites. Set to open its doors in summer 2014, The Knickerbocker will fuse its rich history with modern day functionality and contemporary design, creating an urban sanctuary for travelers and local clientele.
“As a New York Landmark, the building itself represents an era of quintessential New York,” said Michael Gabellini, FAIA, design partner, Gabellini Sheppard Associates. “While drawing inspiration from the elegance of the hotel’s original design, The Knickerbocker’s new design aesthetic will showcase a contemporary interpretation of what this iconic property represents today.”
Honoring the original Knickerbocker Hotel as an elegant retreat for socializing, business networking, and indulging in all that New York City has to offer, the new design concept is a nod to the traditional character and lineage of the original structure. Keeping in mind the functional needs of modern day travelers, Gabellini Sheppard designed all of the hotel’s 330 guestrooms with a sleek and contemporary, customized layout, outfitted in bespoke furnishings within a Beaux Arts facade.
“Gabellini Sheppard has been internationally recognized for designs on multiple scales, ranging from urban and commercial master plans to private residences, fashion boutiques, and contemporary art galleries,” said Jeff David, managing director of The Knickerbocker. “It is a challenging undertaking to connect a new hotel concept to its historical past, but Gabellini Sheppard demonstrates a unique ability to seamlessly marry the essence of The Knickerbocker legacy with a calming, modern aesthetic.”
Paying homage to The Knickerbocker’s historical moniker, “The 42nd Street Country Club,” dining venues will be fitted for both business and pleasure. The rooftop bar and terrace has been designed for guests to comfortably perch in the cinematic glow of Times Square. The space will offer both outdoor and indoor seating options. The interior bar will be composed of a carved volume of charcoal slate, paired with wood floors dipped in silver metallic finish.
On the fourth floor, The Knickerbocker’s signature restaurant will incorporate lightweight coiled mesh curtains creating subtle partitions among different seating areas. The bar will be sculpted from hand-carved Frapuccino marble, accented by soft lighting and cascading ceiling panels. The ground-level café will operate as the second portal entry of the hotel, welcoming guests through a barrel vaulted ceiling composed of textural overtones and Breccia Capraia marble, allowing the café to transition seamlessly from espresso bar to evening cocktail lounge.
To create a dramatic welcome for guests as they enter The Knickerbocker, the hotel lobby will be composed of a mixture of sleek metallic grays and alternating bands of light and medium toned marble. The walls will showcase a Gabellini Sheppard custom-designed illuminated mirror feature at the entry and an abstract environmental mural from artist Orazio De Gennaro.
“The Knickerbocker design concept glows from the inside out, creating a one-of-a-kind anticipatory quality for guests,” Gabellini said. “Once inside, they’ll discover The Knickerbocker is an urban oasis at the crossroads of the world.”
Check out the newly-released renderings in the gallery below.
