Anbang says it will work with the city of New York to maintain the integrity of the famous building. Of particular aim is to maintain the historic Art Deco details of the hotel’s interior.
Anbang is a Chinese insurance company that last year bought the hotel for $1.95 billion. The company has disputed assertions by the New York Landmarks Conservancy preservation group that it had refused to support landmark protection for the hotel’s interiors.
Other groups, including The Landmark Conservancy, Historic Districts Council, and The Art Deco Society of New York (ADS) are voicing their concerns. ADS posted a notice on its website headlined “Deco in Danger,” warning that the hotel “would be gutted and turned into condos.” Protection of the hotel’s distinctive style will continue to pressure Anbang to insure it follows through on preservation.