The proposed Harlem Hyatt on 125th Street might have lost out on some government tax-exempt bonds since the developers failed to meet deadlines last year but the hotel seems to still be in the works. Brian Morris (the president of ESmith Legacy Inc.) will be speaking about the company's vision to the
125th Street Business Improvement District association at their annual meeting this month so expect some more news in the upcoming weeks. Interest in construction on the 125th Street corridor has started to pick up recently so this development might have a chance. With that said, checking on the DOB website reveals that permits have not been filed at this point and the actual designs of the $80 million luxury hotel have still not been presented publicly.
Not surprised at all. Harlem has been marching on since last year and has continued to make strides restaurant/nightlife wise. I am sure the Hyatt people have been keeping a close eye on the likes of Red Rooster and are keen to take advantage of the momentum.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think we should keep getting Chris’ hopes up and then dashing them again. You know how he feels about the Hyatt, the salvation of all Harlem and mythical home to Whole Foods and an Apple Store.
ReplyDeleteChris, hope you are reading this sitting down. . .
SM, couldn't care less about a Whole Foods or Apple Store. Would love to see that space get used for something though. Not sure about the salvation of all Harlem. Where did that come from? ;)
ReplyDeleteDunno, Chris. I always thought you were the poster who was so excited about the Hyatt you were practically beside yourself. Perhaps someone else was posting with your name?
ReplyDeleteWho was it who was nuts about the idea of a Whole Foods in the space?
I work for the Hyatt at Grand Central, and have been told by 2 very "in the know" sources that it is a go. It will be a Hyatt Place, and Hyatt and the residential compnent were ready--then Whole Foods backed out. They just need to replace the retail component. I told them Trader Joe's would be a better fit for the neighborhood...
ReplyDeleteNot saying a word. Alright, Trader Joe's would be nice!
ReplyDeleteA Whole Foods would be great!!!!...Maybe it can still happen???
ReplyDeleteI'd prefer a Trader Joe's to Whole Foods any day!
ReplyDeleteWhat about bringing in Macy's?
ReplyDeletedrawing on my vast non-existant experience in the hospitality industry, coupled with my imaginary degree in hotel management from Cornell, I just don't see how a big hotel is going to work on 125 and Lenox. Small boutique hotels I think are wonderful ideas but a Hyatt that would depend on large group bookings and convention-goers, etc. seems iffy. But hey. . . stranger things have happened.
ReplyDeleteI would guess that a hotel in that area would be more aimed at budget consious tourist and business travellers.
ReplyDeleteIt would be an alternative to getting ripped off by the hotels around the Times Square area or staying in the semi desolate East Thirties.
I can see where it could work.
It will be a "Hyatt Place" rather than a large Hyatt. Like a nicer Marriott Courtyard where they franchise the name but don't run the hotel. Once they replace Whole Foods (who bagged earlier)the hotel and residential elements are ready to go. Appx. 16 months to build the hotel portion once they have a retail anchor.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea of what a Marriott Courtyard is. . . except aren't there some midblock hotels in the former Flower District that are they? Are you saying this would be mixed use, part rental or condo and part hotel with retail? Those are often built and then a chain comes in and takes over so they are built to be pretty bland and generic. How many stories are your tipsters thinking it would be, Tip? That’s a honkin’ great big ole lot there.
ReplyDeleteA hotel in Harlem is a great idea, New York is an international destination, Harlem included, just look at all the tourists on the streets. Plus Harlem has great transportation, especially at the 125th/Lenox intersection. Also tourism is one of the few industries that is firing on all cylinders, I think it will be a success.
ReplyDeleteI agree with those who think a Hyatt Place with a Trader Joe's is a good fit that could work in this area. Hyatt Place is a bit like a fashion designer's affordable line, a la Michael Michael Kors or Marc by Marc Jacobs. The trick to business success in Harlem seems to lie in upgrading the neighborhood without pricing yourself out of the market. I have plenty of out-of-town visitors who would love to stay at a Hyatt Place in Harlem. BTW, to a lot young professional New Yorkers, Whole Foods is nicknamed "Whole Paycheck."
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I think Trader Joes would be a better fit for the new Harlem, Whole Foods would be a little too expensive. Personally, if it where a Whole Foods, I would hardly ever shop there as I get all I need from Wilde Olive, but if it where a Trader Joes then I would definitely be waiting on line in Harlem rather than currently shopping in Trader Joes downtown.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't get the Trader Joe's fascination, I dislike my fruit and veggies shrink wrapped but hey to each his own. It would most certainly be a very welcomed addition to the ever changing neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteA mid priced hotel such as a Hyatt Place would do very well, I hear that ALoft is going very smartly so another hotel in Harlem would be most welcomed!!!
Yeah but ALoft is a boutique hotel and caters to a younger clientele. It’s hard to utter ‘chic‘ and ‘Hyatt’ in the same sentence.
ReplyDeleteBBC—I don’t get Trader Joe’s either but then I also don’t understand Fairways.
If you buy Whole Foods 365 House Brand it’s really quite reasonable. Especially their coffee beans.
SM you do have a point StarWood has the cool factor that Hyatt does not, but with that said visitors will stay at a place that they think is worth the money and is central to the stuff that they want to do. That is why Lotta was doing so well when they were open!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that I'm not the only one on the Trader Joe's front!!