Wednesday
29Jul2009
Another Knock Against the Cooper Square Hotel
Has there ever been a more problematic development project than the Cooper Square Hotel? Let us count the ways.
- The futuristic design is out of context with the neighborhood and has been panned by both civic groups and architecture critics.
- Management failed to get approval for its planned bar and lounge spaces, and . . .
- The bars that were approved are subject to early closing times, and its patrons are constantly harassed by the neighborhood residents.
- They have opened during the worst travel recession in New York since 2001.
- The development partners are no longer speaking to one another.
And the final kick in the teeth? Frank "the Tank" Bruni comes in and gives Table 8 at the Cooper Square Hotel a big fat zero stars. Zero! Frank says, "The people behind Table 8 have given too little thought to logistics and comfort. They were inattentive when they put the place together, and they’re inattentive still." Ouch. On a positive note, Table 8 does draw a crowd on a nightly basis, and in a big eff you to the Community Board, the Coop does host those kicking penthouse parties. But will this place ever get some good press? Oh Coop, we weep for thee.
DBTH
Reader Comments (6)
They should have knocked down the building that they built over. Its bizarre. I thought I read that those folks didn’t want to give up the property or something. I dunno. The building looks like it belongs in South Beach Miami (pronounced Ma-Jami).
call me crazy, but i love the architecture and think the building looks amazing right where it is. if they effed up the bar/club/restaurant aspects i guess that's a different story, but at least they can fix that.
FACT: they are defaulting on all their loans and filed bankruptcy, another management team or hotel will be taking it over soon
The coop is a beautiful building but is simply out of context, and yes, I too have heard/read that the developers behind this hotel are a mess and the "management" (aka Klaus Ortlieb and co)are having big problems.
It's no secret that several well-known hotel developers and management companies are circling this building like hungry sharks getting ready to unleash a feeding frenzy.
The Observer real estate section has had some great coverage.
This rooftop just had an amazing party last night ... a bday party for Scott Lipps of One Management ... the views are truly a sight to behold .... but the "railing" or barrier or whatever that is supposed to keep you from going over the edge is a little too low ... i hope somebody doesn't fall off!
Cool hotel