Lotte New York Palace Hotel Facade
Façade Restoration
Midtown East
2023
A Landmark Restoration Of New York’s Heritage
OVERVIEW
Our team was entrusted to restore this historic landmark, ensuring structural integrity while honoring the original aesthetic.
The Lotte New York Palace Hotel’s Villard Houses, designed by McKim, Mead & White in the late 19th century, are a cherished part of New York City's architectural legacy. Located on Madison Avenue and surrounded by other iconic landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Italian Renaissance-inspired complex is notable for its rusticated stonework, picturesque archways, and Juliet balconies. The client entrusted EDG with restoring this landmark, which had suffered from weathering and improper repairs. Our restoration ensured structural integrity and preserved the building’s landmark status, honoring the original aesthetic and revitalizing one of the city’s enduring treasures.
BUILDING HISTORY
- Original Design McKim, Mead & White, 1884
- Architectural Style Renaissance Revival
- Material Belleville Sandstone
- Historic Use Built as a private residence, at which point the building was known as the Villard Houses
APPROACH
We began with a thorough survey of the façade to assess its condition, using historical imagery and material testing to guide our efforts.
Our team prioritized salvaging original materials wherever possible, carefully removing damaged brownstone and mortar by hand. Where replacements were necessary, we selected sandstone, custom-matched it to the original stonework, and blended patching materials to align with the façade’s historic appearance across all color variations. Our experts collaborated closely with the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to ensure all repairs, from hand-carved cornices to chimney reconstructions, adhered to the highest standards of craftmanship and historic preservation.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Project Value $7,000,000+
- Façade Area Restored 35,250 Square Feet
- Hand-Carved Sandstone Architectural Elements 100+
- Hand-Carved Sandstone Juliet Balconies 4
- Facades 7 unique façades connecting the original 6 residences
IMPACT
Our restoration strives to preserve the architectural nuances of the Villard Houses while ensuring their structural soundness for future generations.
With over 100 hand-carved stone elements replaced and original materials expertly matched, the façade remains a seamless part of New York City’s historic fabric. Our meticulous attention to detail allowed the Lotte New York Palace Hotel to maintain its place among the storied icons of New York City.
