Hyatt Union Square (aka 132 Fourth Ave) Eyes November 15th Opening

132 Fourth on the right, 1924 (NYC Municipal Archive)

looking north up Fourth Ave (A. Fine)

Relief work (A. Fine)

nearly finished product, 9/2012 (A. Fine)

What a long, strange trip it has been for 132 Fourth Avenue. A Fine Blog picked up on this McSam later Hersha Hospitality/Hyatt hotel effort years ago. In 2009, we highlighted the project as a "lot line folly" as it became obvious that numerous neighbors at 77 East 12th were going to say goodbye forever to a wall of windows facing north. Those folks were none too amused, and the project was delayed on and off for a couple of years thanks to constant anonymous complaints to the DOB. Well, the time has nearly come, and according to multiple sources the Hyatt Union Square is targeting November 15th as opening day! While the Gene Kaufman architecture is much maligned, I'll try not to look above the well restored classic base. It is still a mystery to me what the base was (pictured, at top, 1924), though I have figured out that it was once a bowling alley from at least the 1940's-1960's. (I know, pretty fancy looking bowling alley). Anyway, details on the Hyatt Union Square:

-178 Rooms
- Ground Floor "American Brasserie" with "barn decor".
- Ground Floor "European espresso bar".
- Cellar restaurant with "South American theme".
- Lounge and rooftop restaurant.
- Rates expected between $300-$500/night.
- Thumping music a good possibility.

Two of the restaurateurs have been named- Jo-Ann Makovitzky and Marco Moreira, both of 15 East and Tocqueville fame. Now let's see if we can finally put this project in the books! They are hiring, by the way, as evidenced by this Craigslist ad.

Hyatt Union Square Website (Hyatt)