Project Overview

The inspiration behind Tavern on 51 and Rarities is derived directly from the Villard Mansion where the venues are housed. The elegance of old New York and its spirit encompass these two spaces; one a public bar, one an exclusive lounge. The two spaces share a common aesthetic made up of colors and fabric that invoke an elegant authenticity routed in historical charm. The spaces are connected by a landmarked staircase as well as an illuminated modern metal and glass display case that extends through the center of the landmarked stair. The custom-made vitrine was designed to house the curated scotches offered at Rarities and allows patrons to view the prized bottles as they ascend the historic stair.

Project Commissioner

Northwood Hospitality

Project Creator

HOK

Team

Christina Hart, Caroline Bertrand, Migda Colon, Rachel Mongeluzo

Project Brief

Accessible from 51st Street and the lobby, Tavern on 51 offers a posh, relaxed atmosphere. Historic elements are embellished with modern touches, perfect for visitors seeking a spirited, intimate environment. A magnificent stained glass window is accented by carefully selected contemporary oil paintings and sconces. Ornamented with metal, glass and mirrors, the bar is enhanced with a custom light fixture of amber and gold orbs. This provides a dynamic light source and helps define the bar area. The rear section features a separate room with additional seating. A custom light sculpture spans the rear wall, incorporating metallic gold leaf and a copper mirror, which adds abstract dimensionality to the space. The exclusive Rarities features premium select liquors in a members-only setting. The two-room venue includes a connecting hall and landmarked stairwell featuring vaulted ceilings, detailed millwork, cove windows and fireplaces. Discreet antique embellishments and re-upholstered walls blend with the fireplace and other historic elements. Using rich damasks and a burgundy and aubergine palette, luxurious old-world style is enriched with new carpet, case goods, furniture and soft goods. To maintain authentic feel, the team sourced digital reproduction prints and frames to complement original oil portraits.

Project Innovation/Need

These two lounges allow The New York Palace to take advantage of its central midtown location, offering premium spaces for guests as well as tourists and the after-work crowd that did not exist. With the addition of Rarities and Tavern on 51 the property was able to transform previously unused spaces into a viable sources of revenue and utilize spaces that were previously used for office, storage and meeting spaces. Further, by capitalizing on its rich history and select landmark interiors, The New York Palace is able to differentiate itself among competitive properties, lending an aura of cache and authenticity and confirming its status as a New York architectural legacy.

Design Challenge

HOK was presented with the challenge to create two new venues that would allow the New York Palace to distinguish itself from other luxury properties in mid-town Manhattan while maintaining the integrity of a landmark location in a classic New York hotel. The first, Tavern on 51, is a bar and lounge open to the public. HOK's challenge was to create a cocktail lounge that provides an escape that is accessible, but gives a distinguished impression. The second, Rarities, is a private scotch tasting lounge. HOK was challenged to create an ultra-exclusive lounge for private members and invited guests. Both reside in the Villard Mansion at The New York Palace, which provided additional challenge of having several landmark restrictions that had to managed and maintained. Both spaces needed to celebrate the history of its establishment while creating an exclusive and modern feel.

Sustainability

The team used antiques as well as existing millwork, light fixtures and ceilings to minimized disruption to the spaces. These existing elements reduced the amount of construction needed for the project while also incorporating some of the original touches from the Villard Mansion into the new venues. By using antiques and existing features, the team was able to reuse and adapt these pieces for this modern interpretation of the Villard Mansion.

Interior Design - Hospitality

This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.  

More Details