Highline Hotel . New York
Roman and Williams have transformed a portion of the General Theological Seminary, a statuesque 1895 neo-Gothic landmark, into the High Line hotel, a tranquil respite from the hurly-burly crush of the city. In stark contrast to sleek sophistication of their earlier work a few blocks away, on the Standard Highline, The High Line Hotel manifests a steady timelessness with a masterful combination of crisp, new and elegantly patinated historical design.
For the High Line Roman and Williams have managed to expertly mix an American vernacular with European style, retaining majestic original
features such as stained glass and intricate fireplace mantel while adding more streamlined, modish pieces. Guest Rooms feature antique Persian rugs on richly stained hardwood floors, custom wallpaper as well as a mix of vintage furnishings and reproductions of pieces hand-selected by the designers. Original fireplaces have been kept, but retro-fitted to work with geothermal energy and small terrariums provide touch of nature for contemplation. Re-wired 1930s Western Electric rotary phones and desktop embossers accessorize the room, recalling the simplicity and grace of an earlier era.