The building, which currently houses the Hudson Hotel, was constructed in 1928 by the daughter of J. P. Morgan as the American Women’s Association clubhouse and residence for young women in New York. During World War II the building housed Dutch soldiers. More recently, part of the space served as the headquarters for public television stationWNET; the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour was broadcast from the building. WNET has since relocated to 450 West 33rd Street.
In 1997, the building was purchased by Morgans Hotel Group and underwent a three-year renovation at the cost of $125 million. The hotel's name was changed from "The Henry Hudson Hotel" to simply "The Hudson." As with the Royalton Hotel, the Hudson Hotel was also renovated by Ian Schrager, co-owner of Studio 54 and designer Philippe Starck .
When their rechristened "Hudson" opened, it was the team's second hotel collaboration in New York, following the Paramount by 10 years. They made over the hotel to be relatively affordable but trendier, with the goal described as 'Cheap Chic'.
In compensation for the constraints of the private spaces, the designers decided to focus their efforts on creating large and dramatic public spaces. Hudson Bar, with its glowing yellow glass floor by Mison Concepts and ceiling fresco by Francesco Clemente, hosts events such as dance parties, movie premieres, book launches, and has been featured in several TV shows such as Gossip Girl and Sex & The City.
Hudson Hotel is currently undergoing a multi- million dollar renovation which includes improvements made to the rooms, public spaces and food and beverage outlets.
