The St. Regis
Built as a companion to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the St. Regis was developed by none other than John Jacob Astor IV (you know, the richest person to depart on the ill-fated Titanic?). The building was designed by architects Trowbridge & Livingston, and when it made its debut in 1904, the 18-story French Beaux-Arts style hotel was the tallest in New York City.
Despite its offerings of extravagance, construction of the hotel caused some controversy. For one, the Fifth Avenue families, including the Vanderbilts, were not pleased that it would tower over their mansions. In an attempt to have the hotel's liquor license revoked after it opened, William Rockefeller even purchased an adjacent property so as to vote against the St. Regis as a direct neighbor. And we thought Park Slope NIMBYs were bad.
Nevertheless, as time has proven, the St. Regis eventually came out on top, remaining one of the most glamorous stays in Manhattan.
The St. Regis, Two E 55th St.
[Photo via @stregisnewyork]
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