microcosm in manhattan: beekman hotel offers high-hospitality within an architectural jewel

nestled in the center of lower manhattan and surrounded by some of the city’s most-admired attractions, the beekman hotel embraces its storied past by offering an eclectic, artistic, and upscale hospitality encounter. housed within a historic architectural jewel — with santiago calatrava’s oculus and SOM’s WTC tower mere minutes away — the hotel is situated in one of the most important urban areas of new york city. what was formerly one of manhattan’s first skyscrapers has been redesigned as a majestic, 287-room property, with an interior re-imagination that celebrates the building’s charm and brings an artistic, and contemporary spin to the sumptuous setting.

designboom was invited to stay at the beekman to experience the vintage eclecticism, classical character, and contemporary details that define this microcosm in manhattan.

the site was originally constructed in the american queen anne style, emphasized by a mix of surface textures

the beekman, part of thompson hotels group, is housed in a landmark, red brick building dating back to 1881. originally called temple court, the site was constructed in the american queen anne style — an architectural genre emphasized by a mix of surface textures and elaborately-ornamented motifs. inside, an immense victorian atrium ascends nine stories, wrought-iron balcony railings encircle the sizable expanse, and a monumental pyramidal skylight crowns the sunlit space. the rich architectural narrative of the building provided an important beacon of inspiration for the re-imagination of the historic building into a premier hospitality locale.

an immense atrium ascends nine stories, and wrought-iron balcony railings encircle the sizable expanse
image © designboom

london and new york-based martin brudnizki design studio was responsible for restoring the spectacular site to its former glory, providing an interior scheme that complements its heritage and history. a mix of classic and contemporary elements are evident immediately upon entering the building. visitors and guests make their way into the lobby and traverse a black-and-white, hexagonal-patterned, marble mosaic threshold that leads to the reception desk — a dark, antiqued timber table top upholstered in a patchwork of colorful rugs. antique glass lamps and eccentric objet d’art are perched atop the sprawl of vintage persian carpets wrapping around the desk, creating a warm and welcoming cove that seeks to harken back to the golden age of travel.

on the main floor, this vast, internal courtyard forms a vibrant stage for guests to gather, drink and dine

guests make their way from the lobby to the rooms — passing a series of intimate seating areas, a showcase of hidden artworks, and a sprawling cabinet of curiosities — before finding the heart of the beekman: its nine-story atrium. on the main floor, this vast, internal courtyard forms a vibrant stage for guests to gather, drink and dine. the interior, stripped back to its purest form, puts the spotlight on high-quality finishes, luxurious materials and a carefully-selected collection of furniture. grey leather banquettes, mohair velvet upholstery, and dark timber chairs are set alongside burgundy fabrics and brass nail head detailing. from here, visitors looking up can behold the atrium’s decorated levels, with victorian wrought-iron railings and balustrades ornamented with botanical motifs, dragons, and sunbursts.

wrought-iron railings and balustrades are ornamented with botanical motifs, dragons, and sunbursts
image © designboom

the beekman’s 287 rooms blend the historical character of the building with the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel. high ceilings and an oak floor recall manhattan’s pre-war style structures, while a mix of furnishings, objects, materials, and textures communicates a curated and contemporary aesthetic. vintage lamps sourced from antique dealers across the globe nod to the eclectic feeling of the hotel. guests can lounge on custom beds designed with cream leather headboards, bespoke blue velvet sofas, and burgundy leather, while enjoying snacks and drinks on an edwardian walnut breakfast table.

visitors make their way into the lobby and traverse a black and white hexagonal-patterned, marble mosaic floor
image © designboom

throughout the hotel, an impressive collection of art is exhibited across the beekman’s walls. more than 60 original drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, works on paper, and sculptures by twenty known and emerging international and american artists can be seen in the lobby, dining area, guestrooms and suites. the collection is emphasized by the multi-layered history of hotel, and focuses on art that features literary masters and scientific visionaries of the american romantic period. a sense of magical realism pervades throughout, with nature-themed installations and botanical artworks tucked around every corner of the hotel. furthermore, newly commissioned site-specific works by artists jane hammond and patrick jacobs, among others, are included in the collection.

the reception desk is upholstered in a patchwork of colorful rugs

the newly-opened beekman seeks to serve as a epicenter of lower manhattan’s social landscape, offering frequent visitors and occasional guests a memorable place to call home.

antique glass lamps and eccentric objet d’art are scattered across the space