This stark white, tile faced building with 5-foot portholed windows was originally built in 1966 for the National Maritime Union by Albert C. Ledner, a New Orleans architect. The 8.5 degree front sloping wall was the architect’s solution to a 1961 zoning requirement (20-foot setback above 85 feet). The building included living quarters and instructional, medical, and recreation space for sailors. In 1987, it was acquired by Covenant House, a shelter for runaways started by Franciscan priest Bruce Ritter (who, in a sad scandal, resigned both from Covenant House and the priesthood in 1990). In 1996, the building was sold to the New York Service Center for Chinese Study Fellows, which provided housing and education for Chinese students, artists, and business people.
In its most recent incarnation, it has been converted to the Maritime Hotel, purchased in 2001 for $19 million by Sean K. MacPherson and Eric Goode, who partnered with developers Richard Born and Ira Drukier (who also did the Perry Street Condos by Richard Meier). The hotel has an elevated plaza, a garden with pond and lily pads, two restaurants, patio, roof bar, and beautiful teak furnished rooms with white ceilings (each with a porthole window), evoking a ship’s staterooms…
Drove by this in a cab Friday night, was jumping, I presume its a hip hang out — rooftop bar must be nice!
Louis
Seems like it was a hangout when I was there too – people on the outside patio. A strange looking building though.
Brian
I really, really love your photos. I promise. But…I find that there is too much text to read. I am just trying to be helpful.
Fantastic.
And I love reading the history and comments about places, and when captivated follow the links.
I think we can both be satisfied!
Surprenant hotel, je ne le connaissais pas, il a un design tres original.
It looks like a great hotel Bryan, and not too big either. Nice shot.
Curly’s Photoshop
Your blog entry was very interesting. I am a realtor specializing in Tampa Bay Florida Real Estate .
During log time ago l went to Joe Curran Building to learn and work as a Mechant Marine . I sail all around the world. Performing all type of work under american flag ship . I will be glad to some day have some information seamans that we sailed together during those days .