The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, USA

Posted in Projects on 2 December, 2024

As The Fifth Avenue Hotel approaches its first anniversary, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio describes how it embraced themes of romanticism, heritage and intrigue to create an opulent hotel in Manhattan.

The Fifth is composed of an historic landmark building, The Mansion, and The Tower, a striking new 24-storey glass tower designed by Perkins Eastman and PBDW Architects. The site was once the home and carriage house of Charlotte Goodridge, a leading figure in Manhattan’s gilded age society.

Throughout the late 19th century, Charlotte’s home was synonymous with her infamous receptions and musicals, but in 1907 the mansion was sold and a new vision emerged – the five-storey Renaissance-style palazzo by McKim, Mead & White. Now, the mansion has been renovated under the guidance of Perkins Eastman, restoring the brick and limestone building to its former grandeur.

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio’s concept for The Fifth was centred on three main themes. Firstly, the hotel is inspired by collectors. We explored a residential idea and have reimagined an eclectic collection of objects, art and furnishings as though they have been curated over generations.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, USA. Top: Suite. Photographs courtesy of Martin Brudnizki Studio

Secondly, the original palazzao was designed by an architectural firm that reinterpreted classicism for modern America. We decided to create a hotel that embraces the idea of looking back to look forward, using classical detailing while abstracting them into a modern form.

Thirdly, the concept of romanticism has been enlivened once more. The Fifth hasn’t been designed with trends in mind but rather as a return to glamour, elegance and sophistication – full of old-world allure with the added benefit of new-world amenities.

Our design combines the rich architectural history of the original with the flare and theatrical exuberance of grandiose family homes from a bygone era. Objects and patterns weave a narrative and create a rich tapestry that reflects the exciting and exotic lifestyle of those who once resided on Fifth Avenue.

The hotel is inspired by collectors.

On arrival at The Fifth, guests will be enveloped into the warmth of the lobby. A sweeping marble floor harmonises with the antique mirror and crackle glaze-panelled wall while bold contemporary furniture in vibrant tones of green and red work hand-in-hand with bookcases that resemble traditional black lacquered Chinese cabinets from the 19th century. Gilded detailing and accents of brass are reflected in the high gloss shine of the flooring and Murano glass chandeliers overhead. A bespoke walnut desk harks back to mid-century Italian design, with its geometric shape and accompanying upholstered armchairs. Pops of colour provide a sense of excitement and energy, including a green concierge desk, inspired by a 1920s Paul Frankl skyscraper desk.

From the lobby, a tented hallway guides guests to a network of storyboard corridors decorated in ikat fabrics and Iksel wallcoverings that tell the adventures of a prolific art collector.

The library, which draws inspiration from the residential designs of Italian villas, is an intimate space that reflects the well-travelled life of a collector, filling his home with curiosities. A sense of New York City grit comes through thanks to dark timber panelling that ensures the space feels contemporary and relatable. Antique mirrors and screens offset a contemporary woven rug by ABC Homes and accents of marble and brass lend a glamorous touch.

Right: The Portrait Bar. Credit Evan Sung

Set in the mansion building, Café Carmellini is a classic Italian brasserie where the original neoclassical architecture is enhanced by light from Juliet balconies. Indoor planting provides a soft contrast to the high gloss wood and bevelled mirror panels that dominate the design. Contemporary Italian artwork contrasts against oversized chandeliers and a private dining room in the basement features marquetry and antique mirror panelling.

The study, a quiet room with a discreet bar, is shrouded under a striped canopy of green and yellow ticking fabric from Schumacher with complementary tassel trim from Samuels & Sons. A handwoven woollen rug from ABC Homes contrasts against the patterned walls and upholstered chairs while wall lights shaped like curios create a whimsical vibe that harks back to a time when theatre and fun were main objectives to creating family homes.

A secret garden can be discovered outside the study, providing a verdant, tumbling English garden in the heart of Manhattan. Traditional metal garden furniture is given a soft edge with red and blue patterned upholstered seating, and relics of days spent travelling can be found among the undergrowth.

Reminiscent of the gilded age, the ballroom at The Fifth is enhanced by original architectural detailing, including panel inserts, coffered ceilings and a tall ceiling height. Neutral in colour palette, with soft touches of blue and gold tones, the ballroom is a pliable canvas for guests to work with.

Rooms are a fine example of reinterpreting classical style for a contemporary space.

A modern addition to McKim, Mead & White’s original building is the Tower block, a sleek architectural addition by PBDW Architects. Within the Tower guests will discover carefully curated guestrooms, rich in detail and narrative. Modern in size, shape and architectural style, the bedrooms whimsically hark back to a bygone era thanks to a Nancy Lancaster-style colour palette and choice of soft furnishings. Tones of buttercup yellow and dusty pink harmonise with a softly patterned rug and tassel-trimmed curtains. Items such as pagoda-style table lamps and a bespoke wardrobe inspired by traditional Chinese cabinets relay the hotel’s story as home to an intrepid traveller and collector. An Ottoman Empire-style drinks bar with mother of pearl mosaic detailing lends both tactility and flare to the rooms while antique side tables sit beside bespoke, upholstered cocktail furniture. The artwork has been carefully curated with 18th century portraiture contrasting against contemporary frames, bringing the design back to contemporary New York City.

Guestrooms in the Mansion are larger than those in the Tower, with the addition of a spacious lounge area, double bathroom and enclosed bedroom. Richly detailed with hand-moulded stucco work harking back to the building’s original architecture, these rooms are a fine example of reinterpreting classical style for a contemporary space. The beautiful painted wood and glass screens dividing the bedroom from the adjoining lounge area, allow for an unbroken view of the street from the comfort of guests’ bed and are reminiscent of a piece of classical joinery. The crown detailing, ornate wall panels, appliques, finials and urns complete the narrative arc, grounding the mansion’s architectural history while feeling contemporary thanks to the use of colour, pattern and detail. Bold patterns pleasantly clash with one another in a way that feels harmonious whilst the artwork and collection of antiques and objet draw together a rich ambience that flows effortlessly throughout The Fifth. Twinkling star-like ceiling lights and soft low-level lighting – which feature motifs from both ancient times and the east – envelopes guests into a home away from home. The mansion rooms are adventurous in their design and richly finalise the hotel’s storied history, helping The Fifth break free from contemporary hotel design and reputation and help path a new way for the modern traveller.

thefifthavenuehotel.com