Reposted from NOV 29, 2016
The St. Nicholas Hotel, on the west side of Broadway between Spring and Broome Streets, was a hotel like no other in New York City. When it opened on January 6, 1853, it was hailed as the epitome of luxury and elegance. In fact, it was said to have surpassed the renowned Astor House to become the city’s premier hotel.
A Magnificent Establishment
According to The New York Times, the St. Nicholas Hotel was a “magnificent establishment” that exuded opulence and grandeur. From its extensive accommodations to its exquisite decor, the hotel was a testament to modern luxury. It boasted a marble lobby with a beautifully painted ceiling, making it the first building in New York City to cost over $1 million to construct. Additionally, over $700,000 was spent on furnishing the hotel.
Alluring Amenities
The six-story St. Nicholas Hotel was an architectural marvel with Italian influences and Corinthian elements. It stretched from Broome Street to Spring Street, accommodating more than 1,000 guests every week. The hotel offered several dining rooms, a reading room with an ornate skylight, and a gentlemen’s drawing room, among other impressive amenities. Notably, it even had an elaborate men’s hair-cutting salon with its own gilded domed skylight.
A Darker Side
Despite its splendor, the St. Nicholas Hotel had a darker side. It became infamous for hosting not only high-profile guests and extravagant celebrations but also a series of high-profile crimes. Robberies, forgeries, conspiracies, attempted murders, and even two murders took place within its walls.
The Decline
As New York City expanded and moved uptown, the St. Nicholas Hotel’s popularity waned. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, located on Broadway at 23rd Street, emerged as the city’s newest and finest hotel, ultimately drawing attention away from the St. Nicholas.
A New Chapter
By the late-nineteenth century, the hotel underwent various transformations. Portions of the building were converted to new uses, such as the Snook-designed Loubat store and Samuel Warner’s store and warehouse. Eventually, in 1884, the St. Nicholas Hotel permanently closed its doors. Only a small portion of the original building was preserved, found on the upper façade of 521 Broadway, where the windows still showcase their original ornamented moldings.
Yukie Ohta, founder of The SoHo Memory Project, offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and legacy of this iconic New York City landmark.
Take a ‘Lookback’ at previous articles in this series…
More events from SoHo Broadway Nonprofits