NEW YORK, NY | The iconic, bright red “New Yorker” sign on the New Yorker Hotel that has been a fixture on the NY skyline since the 1950’s will remain a fixture of the historic hotel far into the future.

In a recent editorial photo shoot for Fashion Rocks magazine, produced by Conde Nast Publications, the world-famous entertainer Usher spoke fondly of the New Yorker Hotel sign that lights up the midtown view each night, saying he hopes to make his photo shoot as iconic. During the interview (which will be used in a series of video clips that Chevy, a Fashion Rocks sponsor, will place on its website ), Usher mentioned he thought the sign might be coming down soon.

The New Yorker Hotel Management is pleased to be able to tell Usher and others who appreciate what the sign adds to the New York City skyline, that it will remain a fixture of the historic hotel for a long time to come.

The New Yorker is currently undergoing a $65 million renovation to restore the historic hotel to its former prominence in New York City. The sign, which was first lit in the 50’s, was replaced by a modern LED sign in 2005.

The iconic New Yorker sign makes a statement

“We are rather proud of our sign, a venerable symbol that can be seen from various vantage points around town,” said Thomas McCaffrey, director of sales and marketing for the New Yorker Hotel. “We are among the few lucky buildings in New York City that possess any sort of lighted banner, and we thank Usher for taking notice and his kind comments about what the sign represents,” McCaffrey said, adding: “We will make sure that it remains both a symbol and a beacon for New York City.”

The bright red New Yorker sign is a six-story, LED banner and the largest of its kind in North America. It is also the highest off the ground for any LED sign as it is affixed to the top four floors of the New Yorker Hotel facing the West Side of New York. It can easily be seen from as far away as New Jersey as it stands out in midtown New York.

The original sign was replaced in 2005 when the technology led to LED signs. It was recreated in the same exact size and footprint of the original sign to meet historic qualifications. The sign is also energy efficient and remains cool at all times.

The hotel can even use the sign to flash messages with the individual letters when appropriate to signal a special event or celebration.

A New Chapter in the Life of the New Yorker Hotel

Once the largest hotel in New York, with more than 2,500 rooms when it first opened in 1930, the New Yorker Hotel has launched an aggressive program to revitalize what is still one of the biggest art deco buildings in the heart of midtown New York City. The owners, recognizing the value of the hotel’s glorious past history, have embarked on an ambitious $65 million renovation and remodeling project to both restore its art deco reputation and add the modern edge and style that today’s guests demand.

The scope of the project, to be completed by August 2008, includes the following:

  • Installation of a new heating and air conditioning system for the entire hotel (a four-pipe HVAC system, which will allow guests to control heat and cool air all year long – not an oft-found amenity in many hotels)
  • Total overhaul of furniture, carpets, wallpaper and fixtures in both the guest rooms and the hallways on the guest floors
  • Complete redesign of the lobby to recapture the grandeur and feel of when the New Yorker opened in 1930
  • Facelift of the entire front of the hotel on Eighth Avenue – replacing signage, re-facing the stonework, and changing the marquee
  • Guest services enhancements including improved free Wi-Fi service and better television programming
  • Upgrade and refurbishment of the hotel’s restaurants (La Vigna Ristorante & Bar and the 24-hour Tick Tock Diner)

“The time is right for us to embark on this major renovation project to revitalize our fantastic property,” said McCaffrey.

“Our goal is to keep pace with the tremendous development taking place on the West Side with new hotel construction and the expansion of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. We’re anchored in a superb location, so we’re renewing a once-tired product, infusing it with style and new amenities to unleash its character and make it a hotel in demand,” he added.

The design concept is the exotic and glamorous New York/Hollywood art deco style of the 1930’s, as a nod to the hotel’s past, but with a distinctive modern edge. This project marks the property’s first renovation since 2000.

NYC-based Stonehill & Taylor () has been tapped to conduct the architectural and interior design.

The New Yorker Hotel

Conveniently located at 34th street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, across from Madison Square Garden, the New Yorker Hotel is one of the largest art deco buildings in New York City. Well-suited for groups, business and leisure travelers as well as anyone seeking a great value and an unrivaled location in Manhattan, the New Yorker features 860 guest rooms (several with terraces and all offering spectacular views), 25,000 square feet of meeting space (two stately ballrooms and 14 meeting and conference rooms), an award-winning catering department, the 24-hour Tick Tock Diner and La Vigna Ristorante & Bar, the Sky Lounge (at the 39th floor of the hotel), a complimentary Fitness Center, and a fully-equipped Business Center.

The New Yorker is a member of the Ramada Worldwide chain.

For more information, contact toll-free in the U.S. and Canada 866-800-3088 or visit .

Hilari Graff
(516) 594-4100
The New Yorker Hotel