Henry Villard, an American railroad tycoon and titan of industry, sought to immortalize his success in stone and mortar in the late 19th century. Enlisting the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, he commissioned a grand complex of six Neo-Italian Renaissance townhouses, designed to mirror the stately palazzos of Rome. Construction began on May 4, 1882, with Villard’s own residence at 451 Madison Avenue, situated on the south side of the property. The original occupants of the townhouses were closely tied to Villard through journalism, the abolitionist movement, and the railroad industry, making the residences a lasting emblem of the Gilded Age. In 1886, the mansion was purchased by Elizabeth and Whitelaw Reid, editor of the New York Tribune.
Over the years, the famed Villard Mansion has served as the headquarters for the Archdiocese of New York, a Women’s Military Services Club during World War II, and home to Random House publishing. In 1971, The Archdiocese of New York acquired the Villard Mansions.
Construction of The Helmsley Palace Hotel and complex began on March 14, 1978. To harmonize the new development with the historic Villard Mansion, renowned architectural firm Emery Roth & Sons, P.C. designed a monolithic tower of dark bronze, reflective glass, and anodized aluminum—receding into the skyline rather than overshadowing the landmark’s distinctive rosy-hued façade.
Preserving the mansion’s historic integrity required meticulous care. Like an archaeological restoration, floorboards were individually removed, labeled, and precisely repositioned after repair. Every interior detail was relaid in its original pattern to maintain the landmark-protected design. During excavation and reconstruction, delicate elements—including intricate carvings, railings, decorative plasterwork, paintings, chandeliers, stained glass, and hardware—were carefully crated and warehoused. Fragile ornamental plaster on ceilings and walls was preserved by creating detailed castings, ensuring the mansion’s grandeur remained intact.
The Helmsley Palace Hotel opened in 1981, featuring 1,065 guest rooms, and became New York City's first five-star hotel, operated by Harry and Leona Helmsley. By the time the hotel debuted, the Villard Mansion had undergone a complete restoration, returning it to its original splendor through the meticulous work of artisans and craftsmen.
The hotel was purchased by the Sultan of Brunei and his brother, Prince Jefri, who oversaw a multi-million dollar restoration and refurbishment of both the Villard Houses and The Towers, elevating the property with a blend of historic elegance and modern luxury.
Exuding opulence and flair, restaurateur Sirio Maccioni’s celebrated Le Cirque 2000 held court at Lotte New York Palace from 1997 to 2002. A true New York City institution, it became a launch pad for many now-renowned chefs, including Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, and Jacques Torres.
Fans of Gossip Girl will recognize Lotte New York Palace as the glamorous setting for six seasons, from 2007 to 2012. The hotel served as the home of Chuck Bass and the Van der Woodsen family, with scenes frequently shot throughout the property, including the iconic Madison Avenue Courtyard and The Gold Room.
In 2011, Northwood Investors became the third owner of the New York Palace. They invested in updating the public spaces and renovated the entire collection of rooms and suites in both The Palace and The Towers. With an eye toward the future, Northwood also installed a cogeneration plant, enabling the hotel to produce a portion of its own energy. This innovation resulted in a significant annual reduction in carbon emissions, equivalent to nearly the size of Central Park.
Lotte Hotels & Resorts , a prestigious luxury hotel brand based in Seoul, South Korea, acquired the landmark hotel from Northwood Investors, renaming it Lotte New York Palace. As the proud steward of this iconic property, Lotte invests substantial time, expertise, and care into its preservation and enhancement, ensuring that future generations of New Yorkers and travelers can continue to experience its timeless elegance and unparalleled legacy.
