[NYguy]

http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/download...a_landmark.pdf


STEINWAY HALL INTERIOR STRIKES A CHORD WITH THE LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION
First-Floor Reception Room and Hallway of Famed Piano Manufacturer’s Showroom on West 57th Street Named New York City’s 116th Interior Landmark


Sept. 10, 2013

The Landmarks Preservation Commission today gave unanimous approval to the interior landmark designation of the lavish first-floor reception room and an adjacent hallway at Steinway Hall, the landmark office building at 109 West 57th St. commissioned by the piano manufacturer to house its showrooms and headquarters. Completed in 1925, the 16-story office building and reception room were designed by Walter L. Hopkins, an architect with the celebrated firm of Warren and Wetmore, which was responsible for some of the city’s best-known buildings, such as Grand Central Terminal. Steinway Hall was named a City landmark in 2001.

The neo-Renaissance style reception room, which is visible from the street, served as a circulation hub where Steinway representatives met musicians, visitors and potential customers before escorting them to the piano showrooms or to the “piano bank,” where musicians select instruments needed for a concert or tour. The space consists of a double-height, octagonal rotunda featuring a crystal chandelier hanging from a domed ceiling decorated with hand-painted allegorical murals of nymphs, goddesses, animals and musical instruments. White marble arches that rest on fluted Ionic columns flanked by green marble pilasters are set within large four arched walls and linked by a continuous marble cornice.

“Given how little it’s has changed over the years and the incredible talent it’s served, the rotunda is a monument not only to architecture and music, but also Steinway & Sons itself,” said Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney. “It’s one of the most sumptuous retail spaces in New York City and has remained remarkably intact for nearly 90 years.

...To qualify for interior landmark status, a space must be at least 30 years old, architecturally, historically or architecturally significant and be customarily accessible by the public. The space comprising the Steinway Hall reception room and hallway is the City’s 116th interior landmark, joining other renowned spaces such as the Rainbow Room and the lobbies of the Woolworth and Chrysler buildings.