Waldorf Astoria Construction Continues With Delayed Opening

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A plan to convert Midtown's iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel into a condominium building has hit a bit of a snag, but construction is moving forward, the development group behind its conversion announced.

Interior demolition and pre-construction work has been completed and contracting firm AECOM Tishman is ready to begin converting the former 1,400-room hotel into a development featuring about 350 condo units and 350 hotel rooms, Chinese-based developers Anbang Insurance Group announced. Work is also underway on a residential sales office at the corner of Park Avenue and East 50th Street in anticipation of condo sales launching next year.

"The Anbang team is incredibly proud of the tremendous work accomplished so far at Waldorf Astoria New York, as we now enter the next phase of the building’s historic revitalization," Andrew Miller, an Anbang executive, said in a statement. "AECOM Tishman has been an exceptional partner during initial construction, and we look forward to working alongside them to carry out one of the most extensive restoration and renovation projects in New York City’s history."

Developers are predicting a 2021 opening date for the converted Waldorf Astoria, which represents a delay of one year from initial predictions.

The standard hotel rooms at the new Waldorf Astoria will be about 650 square feet large on average with options for larger rooms. A number of the hotel's public and event spaces will be upgraded during the renovation, developers said.

"Waldorf Astoria New York will set a new standard for luxury and serve as the flagship property for the Waldorf Astoria brand," Dino Michael, global brand head of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. "Our anticipation and excitement continue to build as we work closely with Anbang and design teams on the renovation."

Also read: Time Capsule Discovered During Waldorf Astoria Demolition

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