New York City’s Chelsea Hotel has sheltered famous guests such as Andy Warhol, Mark Twain, Arthur Miller, Patti Smith and Jim Morrison in its long, storied history, but Saturday (July 31) marked its last night of operation – at least for a while – reports cyberpress.ca.
The famed hotel, established in 1883 on West 23rd Street, was recently sold for over $80 million to developer Joseph Chetrit. Extensive renovations are planned for the site, which are expected to last at least a year.
The architect in charge of the Chelsea’s overhaul, Gene Kaufman, said the hotel’s lobby, plumbing, ventilation and electrical systems will all be revamped, but said much of the hotel’s original charm – including an interior, wrought-iron stairwell – would be preserved.
The Chelsea’s 100 permanent residents have been told they can remain on the premises throughout the duration of the work.
Owned by the same families since World War II, the Chelsea reached an unprecedented level of notoriety in 1978 when punk-rocker Sid Vicious allegedly stabbed his American girlfriend Nancy Spungeon to death in the bathroom of room 100. Vicious died of a heroin overdose soon after and did not stand trial for her murder.
Leonard Cohen immortalized the landmark in his song, Chelsea Hotel No. 2, inspired by his fling with late rock singer, Janis Joplin. Writer Dylan Thomas nearly died in room 205 in 1953, following a rigorous night of drinking on his 39th birthday.
This closure is the first time the Chelsea has ceased operation as a hotel in its nearly 130-year history.