April 8, 2013
MCR Development and The Brodsky Organization announce the debut of The High Line Hotel, scheduled to soft-open in May 2013. Nestled within a cluster of landmarked buildings in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, The High Line Hotel is an urban sanctuary offering guests a respite from the city in a historic setting. Originally built in 1895 as student housing for the General Theological Seminary, the intimate, 60-room property is located on a rare, cloistered community overlooking the High Line park and an enclosed private garden oasis.
Retaining the iconic building’s red brick facade, the initial phase of the interior design was done by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors, with the exterior landscaping executed by Beyer Blender Bell Architects. Blending eclectic Americana with European style, the property pays tribute to its English collegiate Gothic roots. Furnished with an amalgam of vintage pieces, unexpected artwork, and antique rugs sourced from around the world, each public space and over-sized guest room is exquisitely appointed and boasts unparalleled views of either the High Line or interior quad. The building’s Gothic architecture and dormitory’s original stained glass windows, moldings, pine floors, fireplace mantels and stairwells have also been preserved to further enhance the guest experience.
Inside the lobby, where guests will be greeted and checked in wirelessly via iPad, a custom-built bar and cozy seating area will serve as Intelligentsia Coffee’s first East Coast outpost. In addition to serving hand-crafted coffee and espresso drinks, the award-winning, Chicago-based roaster will offer a menu of pastries, baked goods and savory snacks. A private courtyard with banquette seating overlooks the discreet gardens, creating a tranquil venue for conversation. Evenings at the hotel will see the lobby and rear courtyard transform into a sophisticated refuge for bespoke cocktailing and dining. In late summer, a charming front courtyard with cafe seating is slated to open.
Hoffman Hall, the hotel’s adjacent event and meeting space is an impressive landmarked building constructed in 1899. At 3,300 square feet, the grand, wood-paneled Refectory with six-foot tall fireplace is the perfect venue for Manhattan launch events, fashion presentations, photo shoots, wedding ceremonies and social gatherings. In addition, Hoffman Hall has three conference rooms and four breakout rooms, which are ideal for board meetings or private dinners.
Given Chelsea’s industrialization over the last two centuries, it is difficult to imagine that the land on which The High Line Hotel sits was once a quiet, 18th century apple orchard. Owned by Clement Clarke Moore, who authored the famous yuletide poem, ‘Twas the Night before Christmas on the premises, the land was bestowed to the Episcopal Church in 1817 for the construction of its first theological seminary, which continues to operate to this day. The juxtaposition of the building’s rich history with Chelsea’s vibrant environs makes The High Line Hotel a perfect destination for those seeking a unique, urban retreat. With direct access to the High Line’s 20th street entrance, guests of the hotel are conveniently located within walking distance of some of New York City’s most coveted attractions including high-profile art galleries, Chelsea Piers, Chelsea Market, the Javits Center and designer shops.