Book SummaryThe Plaza, by Julie Satow

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Plaza

The Plaza by Julie Satow is a comprehensive history of the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. The book traces the hotel’s evolution from its opening in 1907 to the present day, exploring its role as a symbol of wealth, power, and glamour. Satow argues that the Plaza’s story mirrors the broader history of New York City and the United States, reflecting changes in society, politics, and the economy. The book is based on extensive research, including interviews with former employees, residents, and owners of the hotel.

Satow is an award-winning journalist who has covered real estate for more than a...

The Plaza Summary History and Evolution of The Plaza

The Plaza boasts a rich history and has evolved over time. According to Satow, it was constructed in 1907 where an ice-skating pond used to be. It was crafted to resemble a towering French chateau, featuring an exterior of white terracotta and marble, with a mansard roof made of copper. It was quickly acclaimed as the most expensive and lavish in New York. The original Plaza Hotel had eight floors, an exterior of brick and brownstone, four hundred rooms for guests, and a famous painting of a lion by a Massachusetts artist. Alexander Pope Jr. It was considered among the most majestic hotels in New York. The original Plaza was demolished in just two months.

(Shortform note: The Plaza’s construction in 1907 coincided with a period of rapid change in New York City. In 1898, the city consolidated its five boroughs into a single metropolis, and in 1904, the first subway line opened. These developments fueled a construction boom, with new buildings rising across the city. The Plaza’s French chateau design reflected a broader trend of “palace hotels” that aimed to evoke European grandeur. By building on the...

The Plaza Summary Economic and Political Forces Shaping The Plaza

Political and preservation efforts have influenced what happens to The Plaza. Satow notes that it has survived financial depressions, wars, and political turmoil. In the 1960s, the hospitality sector was struggling, and many major hotels were being demolished or converted into more profitable uses. The Plaza faced the threat of demolition, but preservationists and political leaders fought to protect it. In 1965, New York City enacted legislation to designate and safeguard historical buildings, and in 1969, The Plaza became a New York City landmark, so the city must approve any alterations to its facade. In 1986, it received recognition as a U.S. historical site of national significance.

(Shortform note: The Plaza’s landmark status reflects a broader shift in preservation philosophy. In The Once and Future New York, Randall Mason argues that historic preservation in New York evolved from a narrow focus on isolated monuments to a more holistic approach that sees historic places as concentrations of cultural, social, and economic capital. He explains that preservationists began to see historic buildings not...

The Plaza Summary Key Terms and Concepts

The Plaza experienced changes in ownership and underwent a significant renovation and transformation into a multiuse property. Satow explains that the Plaza underwent a $450 million renovation, transforming it into a multiuse space with a limited amount of hotel rooms, luxury condominiums, and an indoor shopping mall. The new Plaza owners assumed they could do as they pleased with the property, but they underestimated the challenge.

(Shortform note: The new owners’ assumption that they could do as they pleased with the property was likely based on the idea that they had the financial resources and legal authority to make changes. However, the reality of renovating a historic building like the Plaza is far more complex. The building’s age, structural limitations, and the need to comply with modern building codes and accessibility standards created a web of constraints that often clashed with the owners’ vision.)

Those who study architecture and enthusiasts of historical New York expressed their worries, cautioning that making major modifications to the famous hotel would cause a PR catastrophe. The New York Hotel and Motel Trades...

Shortform Exercise: The Impact of Prohibition on The Plaza

Explore how The Plaza adapted during the Prohibition era when alcohol sales were banned in the United States, and its influence on hotel operations.

How did The Plaza's decision to comply with Prohibition reflect its status as a high-profile establishment?