Famously Fun Facts about the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

Few Manhattan hotels can stand up to the illustrious history of the Waldorf-Astoria. As one of the largest art deco structures still standing in the world, it is also one of New York’s most storied hotels. However, after being purchased by a Chinese insurance group who plans to renovate and remodel the space to fit modern luxury trends, we must say goodbye to the hotel as we know it. With that in mind, here are five famously fun facts about the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

1. The hotel was built out of a family feud. William Waldorf Astor opened a 13-story hotel on 5th Avenue & 33rd Street and named it the Waldorf. Four years later, his cousin John Jacob Astor IV built a 17-story hotel, named the Astoria, to upstage William. Eventually the two ended their competition, connected the hotels with a corridor and combined the names.

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   Photo Credit: Conde Nast Traveler; Getty Images

   The corridor used to connect the hotels is the famous Peacock Alley. With a restaurant on each side during its creation, the alley was named so because male and female fashionistas of the time liked to strut through the space for the public to see. Now Peacock Alley is one of the most famous hotel lobby bars in the city.
3. The Waldorf-Astoria invented room service. Unheard of before the 1930s, the service-oriented hotel changed the industry forever. You can order almost anything during regular business hours and the hotel even has a special menu for hours between midnight and 5 a.m.
4. Track 61 is a secret train line only accessible from inside the Waldorf-Astoria. President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously took advantage of the hidden mode of transportation back during his time. Today, the train sits ready to be boarded by a president.
5. The hotel held some of the most famous names of the century. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco held their engagement party at the hotel in 1956. Frank Sinatra was often a guest there, and Cole Porter bequeathed his Steinway to the Waldorf-Astoria after having such a deep love for the hotel.

While it is sad to think that the Waldorf-Astoria will soon no longer look like the beautiful space we know and love, we can always on all the historic memories it has created. To this beloved hotel: we’ll always have New York.

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Four NYC Buildings with Secret Pasts

New York City is made of up thousands of buildings serving thousands of different purposes. But have you ever stopped to wonder if any of those buildings weren’t exactly what it seem? We bet you didn’t know that NYC is home to some buildings with secrets pasts. Take a look at these four to see which structures are hiding some history.

Plymouth Church

During the abolition movement, one of the pastors of this church, Henry Ward Beecher, was an anti-slavery activist whose congregation aligned with the cause. Upon looking at the church’s records, it’s apparent that the building served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The tunnels, which were allegedly used to hide and transport those escaping slavery, are shown on tours of the church today.

Rockefeller Center

During World War II, three floors of Rockefeller Center became the base for a covert ops organization called “British Security Coordination”. Run by a huge secret agency, the operation meant to change the minds of Americans, to make them see joining the war in Europe as a good idea. Through black propaganda and manipulation, it aimed to keep Roosevelt safe from congress condemnation and poor approval at the polls during election season.

Grand Central Terminal

Like Rockefeller Center, a section of GCT has been kept a secret up until recent decades. The M42 power station under the terminal was kept under heavy guard before and after Nazi spies put a failed plan into place to destroy the sub-station during World War II. The reason it is so heavily protected is because it is a major powering hub for Grand Central Terminal and several surrounding buildings.

New York Public Library

To some bookworms, living in a library may sound like a dream. Some number of decades ago, it was a reality when Andrew Carnegie donated $5.2 million to build The Carnegie Libraries, a set of city-wide library branches with attached apartments. The occupants of these apartments were tasked with keeping the coal furnaces lit and the libraries warm. Today, only 13 (mostly deteriorated) apartments are left.

So as you wander around NYC, remind yourself that you may be walking past an old World War II hub or a building with some serious historical secrets. To keep up with more Manhattan building news, connect with AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, Alan Margolin & Associates is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

7 of NYC's Oldest Homes That You Can Buy Today

Some of Manhattan’s most beautiful townhouses are also some of the oldest. With some of these structures dating back 400 years, you’d be surprised to find that they don’t look as “antique” as you would assume. Thanks to upkeep and modern renovation, these homes now have a sense of modernity while still keeping some of the original fixtures and charm. Throughout the years, these townhouses have been home to Hollywood celebrities, politicians, famous authors, and old-school socialites. If you have any interest in adding your name to the residents list, get excited, because you can now purchase some of the oldest New York City homes .

• 2 Center Market Place: The oldest of the list, this four-bedroom townhouse was built in 1800 and was formerly the home of design duo Bob & Cortney Novogratz. With an asking price of $7.995 million, it offers features like overhead skylights and a recording studio.
• 27 Vandam Street: Recently renovated by Matthew Baird Architects, this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was originally built in 1823 and has an asking price of $15.95 million. Its impeccable details include six wood-burning fireplaces and a Japanese soaking tub/jacuzzi in the master bedroom’s private terrace.
• 121 Washington Place: This 5,000-square-foot home was originally built in 1931 and is currently asking $16.8 million.This place has definitely seen its fair share of fame with its residents list including names like Mark Twain, Willia Cather, and Muhammad Ali.
• 230 West 10th Street: Talk about a face lift. This $14.5 million carriage home built in 1834 shows no sign of its age. With its ultra-modern appearance, most of the original 19th century design is gone, leaving a 6,7000 square feet space with five bedrooms and rooftop terrace.

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  440 West 22nd Street (Source: NY Curbed )

  70 Cranberry Street: This 1852 townhouse has its renovation focused more on restoring it original details. With a $5.95 million asking price, the home offers amenities like two black-marble fireplaces and ceiling-to-floor windows.
• 440 West 22nd Street: Built around 1835, this 25-foot-wide house still has many of its original details such as a grand parlor and seven separate fireplaces. Asking for $8.8 million, the seven-bedroom, four-bathroom residence is currently set up as a three-family house with one duplex and two large apartments on the upper floors.
• 131 Charles Street: This four-story Federal-style townhouse comes with a separate two-story carriage house for $12.5 million. The early 19th-century, four-bedroom home has many of its original details, as does the carriage house with its own beamed sealing and natural lighting.

The reason each of these homes are able to survive for centuries is proper maintenance and inspection. When it comes to renovations and building, AMAA is your source for all special inspection needs in NYC.

AMAA is a leader in providing engineering and architectural services in the New York City construction industry. For over thirty years, our team of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians, and top-tier administrators has provided our clients with a full range of New York City’s Special Inspection services. For more information, call 212-867-6720.

New York’s Next Skyscraper to be the Tallest in Western Hemisphere

Shortly after the official opening of One World Trade Center, it was said that a new design will trump its towering heights, just stand at 1,776 feet. New drawings recently released a project to build the Nordstrom Tower. It will sit at 217 West 57th Street on Billionaires Row - a highly constructed area in Manhattan.

This New York City residential building might stand 1,795 feet high - approximately 19 feet taller than the new World Trade Center. The developer had original plans to keep it slightly under the 1 WTC at 1,775 feet, but that idea quickly turned around, which just might make it the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. So when will this challenging project be completed? We’re looking to see a finished product in 2018, so keep your eyes out! 

What are your thoughts on plans to build such a tall skyscraper? Share them with us on our Facebook page.

AM & Associates is your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more.

Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

Chimney Inspection FAQs

Summer is right around the corner, which means we’ll be spending more time outdoors. And with temperatures on the rise, it’s inevitable that we won’t need the help of our fireplaces to keep us warm. Because our chimneys will be used less often this season, it’s the ideal time to get your chimney inspected.

You may be wondering: what is a chimney inspection and how does it work? In an attempt to clarify, here are a few FAQ:

What is a chimney inspection?
A close examination of both the interior and exterior of a chimney. Chimney inspections involve a thorough search for any damage, deterioration, buildups, and other types of blockage. You want the passageway to be clean and clear, so you’re safe to turn on your fireplace.

How is a Chimney inspected?
The National Fire Protection Association has designated three types of inspections:

Level one - a general examination. Your inspector will look at the structure of your chimney, including the flue liner, joints, connectors, interiors walls, and so forth. It will also be checked for any obstructions that could cause a fire to spark.

Level two - required for transfer or sale of a property, or if a fire has recently damaged the chimney. During this part of the inspection, special tools will be used to access more hidden areas. They key is the look for any concealed hazards.

Level three - necessary if level two shows signs of damage. This part involves removal of structural parts for easier access to the areas of main concern.

How often do I need a chimney inspection?
Annual inspections are recommended, even if you don’t use your fireplace often. Why? Because debris can easily clog the space regardless of its use, which is a fire hazard. Chimney flutes are also a perfect spot for birds to build their nests - one other obstruction you want to avoid.

AM & Associates is your source for chimney inspection and other related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more.

Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

How Tall Can Buildings Really Get?

There’s a constant race to build the tallest structure the world has yet to see. Today’s construction is highly successful and competitive, which makes us wonder: how big can buildings really get? 

The world famous Empire State Building stands 381 meters tall, but humans continue to exceed this height with more extravagant structures. Can you imagine a tower as tall as 1,000 meters high? In just four years, Saudi Arabia plans to create a building this tall, which goes beyond many others we’ve seen.

When does it stop? With such little capacity in cities like New York, it’s no wonder skyscrapers grow more and more over the years. Buildings made before the twentieth century were built on awkwardly shaped plots of land. Today, buildings are designed to be tall to prevent limited space without wasting space. Believe it or not, our limit is far beyond any current structures. A kilometer would be easy - a mile or more is also possible.

What it comes down to is whether or not we actually want a tower taller than the largest mountain in the world. Some architects worry that people will feel unsafe. What are your thoughts on the rise of New York skyscrapers? Let us know on Facebook!

AM & Associates is your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information. 

Top 10 Buildings & Skyscrapers in NYC

New York City - home to some of the most incredible buildings in the world. The city’s lit up skyline is breathtaking with all its varying shapes and sizes. Among the most popular skyscrapers is the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. Here’s a few other highlights:

The Chrysler Building. Built in 1928, this 77-story work of art was named the world’s tallest building until the Empire State Building was created one year later. This masterpiece is so detail oriented from the outside and has an Art Deco ceiling mural. Unfortunately there’s no viewing gallery from the top, but regardless, this building located at 405 Lexington Ave is a not-to-miss!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is home to the greatest art collections worldwide, and the exterior is just as incredible. This 2 million square foot building features stone slab pyramids, arches, and columns. Not to mention the Grand Staircse, leading from the entrance up to a gallery of European paintings. The classic building still features an entrance from the 19th century, making it a unique sight to see.

Grand Central Terminal. The zodiac mural, the marble walls, and the amazing arches are what makes Grand Central so eye-catching! Check out the Guastavino tile archway and the secret train car and station under the Waldorf-Astoria hotel for historical architecture. Aside from the hustle and bustle of the terminal, it is a truly beautiful building in the heart of New York City.

The New York Public Library. Featuring classic stones, columns, and arches, this New York building an architectural masterpiece. This library is so antique and delicate that it’s been closed off the to public in recent weeks due to a chunk of plaster that cracked and fell from the ceiling in the Reading Room. But you don’t need to look at the inside to admire just how magnificent this building is.

For a full list of the best buildings and skyscrapers in NYC, click here.

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AM & Associates is your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.