Private Air New York Magazine
Issue link: https://privateair.uberflip.com/i/578146
www.privateairny.com Private Air New York | Fall 2015 83 WEEKEND dame, the realization of his dreams, was sold at public auction. Following the downfall Casalasco, consumed by loss and disappointment, was quoted as saying it would, "Take years to discover whether society will find itself again." e young man from Monte Carlo had built a giant, watched it slip through his fingers, and met his own death shortly thereafter. In 1938, John Paul Getty acquired e Pierre and as the economy returned from the deadly storm, society returned as well. e Pierre began to glow with a flush that lasted until 1959, when the future was reimagined once again. In this, e Pierre's most recent metamorphosis, a cooperative offering 75 residential apartments within the hotel was created and its success was immediate and explosive. Well-heeled buyers vied for an opportunity to share an address with a directory of residents that counted Elizabeth Taylor among its numbers. And as demand for the residences grew, the rest of the hotel basked in the devotion of an adoring clientele. e Pierre's rediscovered success caught the attention of Robert Dowling in 1967, prompting the developer to form a partnership with financiers Serge Semenko and David Baird. Dubbed e Pierre Service Corporation, the trio took over the hotel from the Getty Oil Company and began to polish their new gem. Still, the dramatic metamorphosis was not yet complete. In 1974 Trust House Forte assumed the hotel's management and in 1981 the hotel changed hands yet again – this time being acquired by Four Seasons who quickly exercised their rights of ownership by beginning a $15-million refurbishment. Ten years later, the lobby was reimagined in Italian marble, ornately carved crown moldings and exquisitely hand-woven carpets. e Garden Foyer was painted to look like Versailles and e Pierre burst into the wealth driven 1980's shining with newly acquired brilliance. Shortly after the hotel's 75th anniversary in 2005, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces was the corporation chosen to carry the grand traditions of the New York landmark into the new millennium. e Pierre was added to Taj Hotels' already impressive portfolio of distinctive properties around the world, a subtle infusion of Asian- inspired elegance was gently breathed into the iconic property on Park Avenue and the star rose higher still. Today, e Pierre's unmistakable charm and glamour is a fixture synonymous Clockwise from left: Children's amenities at The Pierre make even the littlest guests feel like New York royalty. The Pierre Suite Living Room has a chic residential feel. Guests of The Pierre enjoy views from it quintessential Park View rooms.