The James Brings Its Own Brand of Liberated Luxury to New York City
Download this page in PDF format
The James, synonymous with the seamless blend of modern, residentially styled, state-of-the-art technology and guest-centric service found at its Chicago location, will bring those same attributes to its new property in New York City.
The James New York, a newly built hotel anchoring the southwest corner of Soho at Grand and Thompson Streets, will open September 1, 2010 with 114 guestrooms and suites bathed in natural light and unobstructed views of Manhattan. The property acts as a beacon, illustrating the
juncture between the artistry of Soho and the industrial qualities of Tribeca.
The James New York, designed by the Office for Design and Architecture (ODA) in collaboration with Perkins Eastman and custom interiors by Amanda Sullivan with The James Design team, blends elements of artistry and community throughout. Stepped platforms reveal distinctive features including an urban garden, and a stunning rooftop pool deck and bar, complete with 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline.
In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York will feature a mix of local artists, both prominent and up-and-coming. This program is reflective of the brand’s commitment to the arts and is an extension of its sister property’s extensive cultural partnerships in Chicago.
“The stylish and culturally rich neighborhood of Soho is the ideal home for The James New York, providing a perfect backdrop for the brand’s artful blend of exquisite hand-crafted design, seamlessly intuitive service and personalized comfort,” said Brooke Barrett, Co-CEO of Denihan Hospitality Group, owners and operators of The James brand.
“Our strategy was to identify a hospitality group with new ideas and fresh thinking” said Shai Shamir, Managing Director of Brack Capital Real Estate, (BCRE) owner and developer of The James New York. “The James brand embodies the modern version of a luxury hotel with a strong focus on design and service, making it the perfect addition to the Soho hotel landscape.”
Living Spaces
The James New York will offer personalized comfort; generous complimentary amenities; custom-designed, modern furniture; and impeccable service to create an environment that is ideal for both business and leisure travelers in each of the 114 guestrooms, which include spacious corner rooms with wrap-around views, four one-bedroom suites and one 1300 sq.-ft. Penthouse Loft, located on the 16th floor.
Environmentally thoughtful details can be found throughout the property, including reclaimed wood and rugs made from all-natural fibers, all of which are complemented by an overall color scheme inspired by nature, in a palette of warm tones. No detail has been overlooked, with mindfully planned features, such as easily accessible electrical outlets, high ceilings, windows that open outward (a rarity among New York City hotels), reading lights embedding in the bed headboards, and spacious guest bathrooms, complete with huge standing showers, separated from the living area by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and a remote-controlled screen for extra privacy. The screens, commissioned by a local award-winning artist, blend form and function within the guestroom by allowing for gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline and providing an additional piece of moveable, nature-inspired artwork to the décor. In keeping with the hotel’s interest in environmental sustainability and responsibility, Harmonic by Intelligent Nutrients, a certified organic, food-based, natural beauty line, will provide all in-room amenities.
The Penthouse Loft, designed by renowned Dutch architect and interior designer, Piet Boon, is the epitome of luxurious living, including one full bathroom with a free-standing tub and a double shower, an additional half-bath for guests, a dining room, a wet bar, a master bedroom, and a grand living room showcasing expansive river views, including both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
In keeping with the hotel’s interest in environmental sustainability and responsibility, The James New York has partnered with Harmonic by Intelligent Nutrients, a certified organic, food-based, natural beauty line to provide all in-room amenities. Guests can enjoy a selection of Intelligent Nutrients’ innovative full-sized products during their stay at The James or request the smaller take home travel-sized version of the brand’s all-natural shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Each guest room mini-bar will also feature a Harmonic Travel Kit ($US25) and Harmonic Lip Balm ($US12) for sale.
For guests looking to stay fit on the road, The James New York will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Social Spaces
Inspired by its picturesque location at the crossroads of New York’s famed Soho and Tribeca neighborhoods, the design of The James New York is dedicated to natural light and open space, two elements which are traditionally difficult to find in New York hotels.
The Sky Lobby, a third-floor glass-walled welcome and reception area, is accessible by a glass elevator that transports guests from the ground floor entry to a private living room and business networking lounge. Glass walls provide views of the neighboring sculpture garden, Lent Space, an exhibition area and tree nursery managed by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
The exterior of the second floor features a lush
Urban Garden, designed by the hotel’s Horticulturist, award winning landscape designer Rebecca Cole, a welcome respite for guests above the city’s hustle and bustle. Replete with grass and botanicals, the Urban Garden is enclosed by industrial, concrete walls – a protective shell for the hidden greenery within. The connected Garden Bar & Restaurant, designed by Thomas Schlesser of Design Bureaux, takes its visual cues from the outdoor space which in turn has a variety of comfortable seating arrangements amid park-like landscaping. The Urban Garden will also feature a working Herb Garden to be utilized in The James New York’s food and beverage offerings.
Outdoor space is further maximized through a modern indoor/outdoor special events and meeting room featuring state-of-the-art video conferencing and in-room private dining capabilities.
The hotel’s sexiest and most covetable feature is the rooftop bar and lounge with inspiring urban views of the city skyline framed by an architectural “halo.” The teak pool deck features matching outdoor showers and both indoor and outdoor seating for warm weather fun and relaxation.
In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York features the works of a mix of local and international artists, prominent and up-and-coming, carefully selected by Art Curator Matt Jensen in partnership with Soho based non-profit artist collective, Artists Space (www.artistsspace.org). The hotel’s every space and detail have been curated by the its many design and artistic partners, from the room numbers – whimsically designed by John Paul Philippe (www.j-pinc.com) – to the one-of-a-kind furniture pieces hand selected by Cristina Grajales (www.cristinagrajalesinc.com), whose years of respected residential expertise brought her work with architecture buff Brad Pitt and designer Helmut Lang.
