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W UNION SQUARE COMPLETES GUEST ROOM REDESIGN
Located in the Heart of Union Square, Re-design Captures the Diverse Dynamic of
New York’s Uptown Sophistication and Downtown Cool
New York, NY – [April 01, 2012] – W Union Square today announced a multi-layered
renovation project including the completion of a full re-design of the hotel’s 270 guest rooms as
well as its Extreme-WOW and WOW suites (the W brand’s take on the traditional Presidential
Suite). In collaboration with internationally acclaimed firms d-ash design and Wilson Associates,
each of the hotel’s remodeled rooms will combine form and function with cutting- edge design to
offer a fashionable escape in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Built in 1911 as the flagship of
the Guardian Life Insurance Company, the landmark Beaux Arts building has kept much of its
original design and detail intact, including its turn-of-the-century Great Room with a 23-foot
gilded ceiling and grand windows overlooking the square. Inspired by the Union Square
neighborhood’s merging of traditional and contemporary styles, each guest room interlaces
classic and modern design elements The hotel’s milestone renovation also includes the recent redesign of its destination bar, which was re-opened by Gerber Group as Lilium in December 2011,
as well as a complete renovation of Todd English’s iconic Olives New York restaurant, which
will be completed in May 2012.
W Union Square, one of the W brand’s first hotels, debuted as the social hub of one of the few
neighborhoods where uptown style converges with downtown’s counterculture. Still a soughtafter destination in Manhattan to see and be seen, the design takes cues from Union Square’s
uniquely diverse offerings to create stylish guest rooms that merge traditional design features
with avant-garde colors and schematics. Each room is anchored by a sculptural headboard
representing an abstract view of Union Square and embodies a purposeful collision of unlikely
materials and a playfulness of scale throughout. Continuing the uptown meets downtown theme,
silver window coverings are brightly stitched together with silk fabric mimicking a man’s tie,
while wall coverings in a soft, sophisticated “Park Avenue” white are contrasted with a
downtown, bohemian metallic blue.
“Located at the equator that separates the business centers and traditional uptown culture from the
design centers and fashion innovators of downtown, W Union Square continues to offer a unique
mix of classic and contemporary styles” says Christophe Thomas, General Manager. “Since
opening, the hotel has been a fashionable destination for New Yorkers and following the hotel’s
redesign, we’re thrilled to introduce a new era of cutting edge design and experiences for both
returning and new guests.”
The hotel’s WOW and EWOW Suites continue to illuminate the inherent contrasts in Union
Square’s urban intersection of modern Manhattan with highly elevated contrasted designs and
luxurious materials. Designed to be transformed from a stylish hotel suite into a fashionable
event venue, the E-WOW is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities including
wall units that can interchange easily from dining room table to space for a DJ booth. A
wraparound couch allows for guests to sit high and experience the suite’s breathtaking city views.
The Great Room is a stylish, spacious event venue, boasting 2,300 sq ft of space with a 23-foot
ceiling, replete with turn-of-the-century grandeur and original detailing from the 1911 Beaux Arts
Building. Following a full restoration this past summer, the space has already hosted an array of
key events including the debut of the Imitation S/S 2011 collection runway show by Imitation of
Christ designer Tara Subkoff and continues to be one of New York’s most sought-after
destinations for social events.
Lilium, the hotel’s subterranean nightspot that re-launched this past December, sits seductively
beneath the hotel’s façade. Re-designed by Gulla Jonsdottir of G+Design and inspired by the
intricate look of a cave of wild lilies, key features of the 1,600 sq. ft. interior include a twisted
metal ceiling that cascades down the walls and complements the sculptural black steel lilies,
created by acclaimed metal artist Scot Brown. Contoured wood and gold-tone accents enrich the
raw elements to evoke a dark, feminine energy and brooding intimacy.
For more information, www.whotels.com/unionsquare
Find W Union Square on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wnewyorkunionsquare
or follow on Twitter @WHotelsNYC
ABOUT d-ash design
d-ash design is a New York-based interior design firm that combines innovative design with functionality.
Their portfolio of work includes hotels, restaurants and retail stores, among others. David Ashen, President,
is sought out for his unique ability to extend a brand, embrace a concept and make it come to life. Global
brand leaders in major Fortune 500 companies have relied on d-ash design to analyze cultural nuances and
regional behaviors to design visionary spaces throughout the world including the U.S, Japan, Korea, Hong
Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, France, England, and Brussels. He has been the recipient of the “Wave of the
Future” award by Hospitality Design, “Rising Star in Interior Design” award by the Fashion Group
International, and was named “One of Ten to Watch” by New York Magazine. Current work includes
projects in New York City, Greenwich, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Shanghai, Charlotte and Istanbul.
For more information on d-ash design call 718-383-2225 or visit www.davidashendesign.com
About Wilson Associates
Specializing in interior architectural design, Wilson Associates was founded in 1971 and today
employs more than 300 professionals in their headquarters in Dallas and offices in New York, Los
Angeles, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and an associate office in Cochin, India. Blending
experience, innovation and solid business principles, Wilson Associates continually sets the design
standard at some of the world’s most well-known addresses. The firm creates interiors for worldclass hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and high-end residential projects, offering a full range of
design services, from space planning to furniture installation, including custom product design.
Wilson Associates is consistently ranked as one of the top two firms in the hospitality design industry
worldwide.
For more information call +1-214-521-6753 or visit www.wilsonassociates.com.
Follow Wilson Associates on Twitter: www.twitter.com/wilsonassoc.
Like Wilson Associates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wilsonassociates.