Confirming a pretty open secret, the owners of the Plaza, Elad Properties, made a formal announcement today regarding the future of the hotel's landmark ballroom. An official press release reveals that the site, which has hosted memorable events including Truman Capote's black and white ball in 1966, will reopen as an event space in October under the management of catering firm Great Performances and hospitality provider Delaware North Companies. In addition to restoring the ballroom's original design from 1929, the property's $400 million renovation includes creating 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a new kitchen, prefunction space, and installing up-to-date sound and lighting equipment.
The announcement came on the same day as a New York Times piece on the property—not exactly a coincidence, to be sure—noting that the ballroom re-enters a competitive market for large venues. Jim Blauvelt at the nearby Waldorf-Astoria "welcome[s] the Plaza's return," and suggests that the biggest rivalry will be between the Plaza and the Pierre hotel. (The story notes that representatives from the Pierre and the St. Regis—another possible rival—would not comment.)
The announcement came on the same day as a New York Times piece on the property—not exactly a coincidence, to be sure—noting that the ballroom re-enters a competitive market for large venues. Jim Blauvelt at the nearby Waldorf-Astoria "welcome[s] the Plaza's return," and suggests that the biggest rivalry will be between the Plaza and the Pierre hotel. (The story notes that representatives from the Pierre and the St. Regis—another possible rival—would not comment.)
