The historical Martha Washington hotel, built in 1903 and originally provided women with a place to stay who were unmarried, will be reopening their doors to all New Yorkers and visitors next month.
Architect Annabelle Selldorf told T Magazine, "Our design for the hotel was very much influenced by the spirit of large, open spaces at the turn of the century."
The new interiors feature "a walnut palette, blue tie floors and tons of glass to offset the space's gothic fluted columns."
Located at 29 East 29th Street, it was the first place of temporary residence for women in the workforce and solely provided rooms for females only, until 95 years later, in 1998, when guidelines were reformed. It was a time where women were treated unfairly, given very few options for housing, and the ability to sustain a 'normal' lifestyle wasn't equally provided between women and men.
The Martha Washington hotel was then built, providing rooms at an affordable price for females, and with demand so high, an extensive waitlist was a regular part of the daily operations. With fully equipped rooms and visiting areas, the hotel became a place of escape from the outside world and due to its historical significance, the hotel was landmarked in 2012.
In more recent years, the hotel has undergone various management and has been a work in progress for renovations and re-establishing the structure's origins. The design project was given to internationally known Architect Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects, who has spent a portion of her career restoring historic interiors.
According to the firm, their "design approach engages a critical process that eliminates the unnecessary and proposes clear, succinct solutions in which all elements- from broad concepts to fine detail- coexist in a carefully considered balance."
Whether female or male, everyone will have the opportunity to experience the return of the Martha Washington Hotel in the upcoming weeks.
