IWalked New York City’s Sherry-Netherland Hotel

The Sherry-Netherland Hotel dates back to 1927 when it was built by the firm Schultze & Weaver (who also designed the infamous Waldorf=Astoria) in replacement of the then existing “old” Netherland hotel which had resided on this site since 1892. During its construction the 38-story building had a significant fire on the upper stories and just prior to its completion, it was acquired by the ice-cream and confectionery company of Louis Sherry, Inc. (From which it derived its name). When it opened, the Sherry-Netherland was the tallest hotel-apartment in all of New York City. In 1954 a majority of the apartments was converted into cooperative units.

Sherry-Netherland Hotel

The building’s amazing architecture may be described as Neo-Romanesque or Renaissance with elements of Gothic, such as the gargoyles atop its roof and griffins grasping bronze lanterns in their talons around the second floor. It features a marble base with dark brick exterior. Beginning around the 17th floor, the building begins a series of subtle setbacks that culminate into a single lean tower between the 24th and 38th floors (which each contain only one apartment per floor). Atop the 38th floor is a peaked tower covered in copper.

Equally extravagant to the building’s exterior is the main lobby. If you have an opportunity (and the time) to walk inside I highly recommend the experience. The lobby was modeled after the Vatican Library and actually contains some friezes from the former home of Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Famous individuals whom have lived within the Sherry-Netherland at one point or another include both Diana Ross and Francis Ford Coppola.

• Website: http://www.sherrynetherland.com/
• Address: 781 Fifth Avenue, New York City, NY
• Prices: $$$