May 11, 2015
Ian Schrager’s New York Edition Hotel Opens in Met Life Clock Tower This Week
The Marriott New York Edition Hotel in the Met Life Clock Tower is set to open its doors on Thursday, May 14th. Partnering with Marriott, hotelier Ian Schrager is bringing modern luxury to the 106-year old building.
The Met Life Clock Tower was designed in 1907 by the firm of Napoleon LeBrun and Sons, one of the foremost architectural firms of the Gilded Age. Among LeBrun’s most famous buildings are the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and The Academy of Music in Philadelphia and St. John the Baptist in New York, on West 31st Street. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style, The Met Life Tower, modeled after the Campanile in Piazza San Marco, was one of the earliest skyscrapers and stood as the tallest building in the world until 1913.
The New York Edition’s interiors are inspired by 1920’s French minimalist designer Jean-Michel Frank, from the custom tables and chairs in the lobby bar to the floating white oak desks in every room. The interior architecture is inspired by 1920’s New York as well. Guests enter their rooms via a dark paneled foyer, much like an upscale apartment. In public areas, the minimalist 1920’s style is paired with modernist chandeliers by designer Eric Schmitt.
In addition to 273 guest rooms, including a 1,400 square foot penthouse with 360 degree views of Manhattan, the hotel features a two-floor restaurant, led by Chef Jason Atherton. The restaurant, aptly named The Clocktower, contains three dining areas, two bars, a billiard room and a library.
Schrager has been partnering with Marriott since 2007, creating boutique-style Edition hotels around the world. In that time, Schrager has opened Editions in London, Istanbul and Miami. As co-founder of the famed nightclub Studio 54 and creator of The Gramercy Hotel, Schrager has established himself as a fixture of New York nightlife and luxury. It is only fitting that an iconic New Yorker should open his newest venture in an iconic New York building.