HOYLMAN HAILS LPC DECISION TO LANDMARK WALDORF ASTORIA INTERIOR SPACES

Hoylman: The Waldorf Astoria remains one of the most important repositories for Art Deco architecture in the nation. Today’s decision by the LPC is a tremendous victory for the community, for the city, and for future generations of New Yorkers.”

NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D, WF-Manhattan) released the following statement today in response to the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s (LPC) unanimous decision to designate various interior spaces of the Waldorf Astoria as New York City landmarks:

“I’m ecstatic the LPC has heeded the call of myself and others, including the New York Landmarks Conservancy, Historic Districts Council, and Community Board 5, to save these storied public spaces. The Waldorf Astoria remains one of the most important repositories for Art Deco architecture in the nation. Today’s decision by the LPC is a tremendous victory for the community, for the city, and for future generations of New Yorkers. I also want to congratulate the Landmarks Preservation Commission as well as Anbang Insurance Group for their commitment to responsible stewardship of the historic hotel.”

Today’s vote designates a number of significant interior spaces, including the Park Avenue lobby and entry hall, the Main Lobby, the Lexington Avenue elevators and staircases, the Silver Gallery, the Grand Ballroom, the Basildon Room, and the Jade Room and Astor Gallery.

The designations, coming just days after the Waldorf Astoria closed for a three-year renovation and condominium conversion, are the culmination of a six month effort lead by Senator Hoylman, advocates and community leaders to landmark the hotel’s interiors -- the exteriors were landmarked in 1993. In September, Senator Hoylman sent an official letter to LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan urging “the LPC to expeditiously consider the landmark designation of the hotel’s interiors” and submitted testimony to Landmarks in January advocating for official designation.