Guest Star

Spanning an entire Manhattan block, with Art Deco setbacks that give way to two towers, the Waldorf Astoria New York cuts a fine figure on the city skyline.

- SAM COCHRAN

But even legends suffer wear and tear. In 2017 the hotel closed its doors for an overdue update that is now nearing completion. "These were glorious spaces that no longer functioned," reflects Frank Mahan of SOM, the architecture firm tasked with safeguarding the 1931 edifice (originally designed by Schultze & Weaver) for future generations. That meant converting many guest accommodations in