Tommy Hilfiger and his doting wife Dee are the new residents of an elegant six-thousand square-foot duplex apartment on the top two floors of the Plaza graced with breathtaking picturesque views of Central Park and tony Fifth Avenue.
Top designer - Cindy Refret - is expected to collaborate closely with Mr. & Mrs. Hilfiger during the interior-decorating phase.
Tommy Hilfiger envisions an "old world charm with a modern twist" for the upscale digs which are now an intrinsic part of the Plaza's unique and fascinating history.
The Henry Janeway Hardenbergh design in the French Renaissance Château-style vein, was initially unveiled in a grand opening in New York City on October 1, 1907 .
The celebrated luxury Hotel has been home to Kings & Queens, renowned authors, politicians, the monied-elite, and even a show-biz legend or two.
In recent years, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the stand-out Hotel as a National Historic Landmark.
In the 1950s it was the setting for the avidly-read Eloise books penned by noted author Kay Thompson.
But, the illustrious Plaza has also played host to a other branches of the fine arts, as well.
In the Persian Room, for instance, known-performers of the day - such as Peggy Lee and Earth Kitt - warbled a tune or two to rapt discerning New York audiences.
And, the crème de la crème rubbed shoulders at the Oak Room Bar and Palm Court.
The ritzy environs also survived an English music invasion, when the Beatles holed up at the Plaza during their first visit to the United States in February of 1964.
Subsequently, the Plaza was the setting for a fictionalized off-beat comedy feature, that focused on the mayhem that went down during the course of their celebrated stay.
One of the most memorable moments at the Plaza occurred when author Truman Capote tossed a "Black & White Ball" in the Grand Ballroom in honor of publisher Katharine Graham.
Tongues still wag about that decadent night with awe.
High-profile politicians have been known to wander about the halls, too.
For instance, in September of 1985, the Plaza Accord was signed at the Plaza.
The Accord served as an agreement among the finance ministers of the United States, Japan, West Germany, France and Britain to lower (and stabilize) the price of the U.S. dollar against their currencies.
But, the Plaza was long overdue for a massive overhaul.
Consequently, El Ad Properties bought the "old lady" with a view towards a full-scale restoration of the Hotel, and a carefully-thought-out expansion plan to include residential and commercial sections.To avoid any sticky conflicts with the Preservation Commission, the Tishman Construction Corporation (experts in the field) was hired to complete the renovations and conversions ever-mindful of binding rules and regulations.
El Ad shuttered The Plaza on April 30, 2005 and commenced with the extensive renovations.
On March 1, 2008, the newly-renovated Plaza Hotel swung open her doors wide once again.
In November later that year, the Hotel unveiled an underground mall, which housed a retail collection featuring luxury brands such as Vertu and Demel Bakery.
Statue keeps watch over the Plaza
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