Description:

Situated in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the 11-story Willard Hotel – originally designed by Ralph S. Townsend and built around 1902 – fell under the jurisdiction of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and had previously been converted into 60 rental apartments. SKAPC was tapped to refurbish the building’s one, two- and three-bedroom units; entrance lobby; gym; and business center. The project transformed the asset into a 52-unit luxury apartment building, rebranded as “The Willard.” Work involved the reinstallation of an historic exterior fencing which was meticulously re-constructed using carefully researched photographs of the original hotel. SKAPC maintained much of the asset’s original details throughout, and the project garnered the support of Manhattan Community Board 7 and several major historic preservation groups. The renovated lobby features a seating area and reception desk which leads to the newly designed modern amenities area comprising a gym, kitchen, and business lounge/center. Each luxury apartment was individually designed.