Inside NYC’s Storied The Beekman Hotel + Residences
One of the most anticipated developments in years finally opens its doors
There are few buildings in NYC that carry as much allure as 5 Beekman Street, once known as Temple Court. Built between 1881 and 1883, a central enclosed nine-story Victorian atrium defines the interior. It was unparalleled at the time and would play host to decades of activity—from a theatrical beginning to a law firm and publishing house. In 1998, the building’s facade would be declared an official city landmark. But in 2001, it was vacated and left to decay with time. That is, until it was purchased in 2008 and renewed interest began to percolate. For years now, one was lucky to enter. The site played host to grandiose events by fashion brands Maison Martin Margiela and Proenza Schouler. It was an ideal setting for Hendrick’s Gin’s “Voyages into the Unusual” carnival. Even then only a select few were granted access. Now, that’s about to change. Thanks to GFI Development and Thompson Hotels, doors were opened for a preview last night of The Beekman Hotel. It’s a 287 room destination, with a 51-story luxury condominium tower—and our exclusive video above highlights the wonders laying inside.
The hotel itself occupies the aforementioned atrium (which is enclosed by a pyramidal skylight and now decorated with Victorian railings). Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel Architects oversaw the project and sought to preserve the majesty and history of the space. They’ve done so successfully. And under the design direction of Martin Brudnizki, both the public spaces and rooms adhere to an almost anachronism-free visual language. As Brudnizki shares with CH, “The Beekman has such provenance we knew we had to approach this project like a portrait painter, focusing on retaining and highlighting what’s already there in the original architectural detailing. The design reflects this and is sympathetic to the building’s history with a carefully aged aesthetic that is stripped back to a very simple form. The focus is on the details, with rich and decadent fabrics and colors combining with a carefully composed selection of furnishings, all hanging together within the envelope of this incredible building.”
Brudnizki continues, “What is also exciting about this project are the rooms. All are of good size and have wonderful proportions and light. That is one of the many benefits of working in a historical building.” Further, the interior designer didn’t shy away from contemporary design: “We’ve tried to fuse the old and the new in small yet charming ways. For instance the in-room mini-bar is actually a drinks trolley, consisting of an antique table, thick patterned cloth and a silver tray stacked full of liquor bottles, creating a lovely residential feel. However the cloth also opens up to reveal the fridge and yet more liquor inside.”
Beyond the hotel and residences, The Beekman will host two restaurants, each helmed by James Beard award winners. Fowler and Wells, famed restaurateur Tom Colicchio’s latest spot, will feature iconic American cuisine that makes reference to turn-of-the-century NYC. Colicchio will also oversee The Bar Room, a craft cocktail lounge beneath the stunning atrium, and the hotel’s room service. Augustine, the second establishment, is a French restaurant under the watch of Keith McNally, and Chefs Shane McBride and Daniel Parilla—the same team who runs Cherche Midi.
Fowler and Wells, The Bar Room and Augustine will all open to the public concurrent with the hotel. You can currently book rooms at The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel online, for stays starting in August, with prices starting at $389 a night.
Room image courtesy of The Beekman, all other images courtesy of BFA, video courtesy of Matte
