Hyatt Union Square Makeover: See the Stunning Lobby Refresh in Lower Manhattan!

The role of hotels has evolved significantly beyond merely providing a place to sleep. Today, hotels are dynamic, multi-purpose venues that offer a wide range of services. They cater to various groups including tourists exploring local attractions, business travelers in need of both essential services and the comforts of home, and locals seeking a new spot for relaxation or a drink. Modern hotels commonly feature extensive dining and drinking options, large coworking spaces, fitness areas, playrooms, and frequently, lobby areas designed as comfortable ‘living rooms.’ These spaces are designed to be versatile and serve as welcoming transitions from the busy streets to the private hotel rooms above.

There is a noticeable trend in the hospitality industry towards making the most of existing structures through adaptive reuse. A notable example is the Hyatt Union Square in Lower Manhattan, which has undergone significant transformations. The renowned LEGEARD STUDIO has recently redesigned its majestic lobby on Fourth Avenue, turning it into a public-facing communal area. This redesigned space meets all the necessary criteria for such a venue, including a clearly visible reception area and a diverse range of seating options. This refurbishment skillfully blends historical elements with modern design, anchoring the lobby in its past while also hinting at its future role.

Union Square, located nearby, serves as a pivotal hub in New York City, bridging downtown and uptown areas. The square is steeped in cultural history; it was once home to Andy Warhol’s Factory and is close to the esteemed Parsons School of Design. Union Square is lively, hosting a bi-weekly farmers’ market and transforming into a bustling holiday village seasonally. It’s also a frequent site for major public events, and from here, one can easily access New York’s diverse and ever-changing neighborhoods.

The lobby’s design features a prominent, intricately veined wooden reception desk. A stained glass wall, designed to match the geometric patterns of the floor, highlights this area and teases the discovery of additional intriguing elements. The backdrop, inspired by Bauhaus, manipulates both natural and artificial light in surprising ways. Overhead, paper lanterns that evoke Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lamps add a touch of historical New York creativity to the space.

The adjacent guest lounge offers a more intimate setting. It is enclosed by wood-paneled walls and furnished with low-slung sofas typical of the 1970s. The atmosphere is enhanced with playful rugs and polished vintage decor, while strategically placed greenery in elevated planters adds a natural touch that extends throughout the lobby.

Towards the back, the cocktail lounge is defined by towering columns wrapped in diamond-patterned wood. The space is subtly accented with Murano glass-inspired sconces and features banquettes highlighted by iconic Sergio Mazza Alfa lamps. The main bar is adorned with a bottle shelf reminiscent of Charlotte Perriand’s designs and a large Verde Antigua marble counter. A ripple-pattern plaster relief spans the adjacent wall, and during the day, a large Venetian chandelier illuminates the space, which transforms into a moody, dimly lit setting at night.

The entire lobby area seamlessly combines elements of nostalgia—echoing the glamorous aura of the nearby former Palladium nightclub—with modern, approachable design features that cater to today’s visitors.

Photography courtesy of Legeard Studio.