The landmark, which has welcomed guests since 1907, will undergo extensive exterior repairs during the multiyear closure

NEED TO KNOW

• The Plaza Hotel will close in January 2027 for at least four years to restore its historic façade
• The closure raises questions about the future of the hotel’s 181 condominium units and the workers employed at the landmark
• The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council says 378 union members will be eligible to return to their jobs at the same pay when the hotel reopens

The Plaza Hotel has been a fixture of New York City for more than a century. Now, the landmark is preparing for a lengthy closure as it undergoes a major restoration of its historic exterior.

The iconic property will close in January 2027 for at least four years while crews repair and restore its landmark-protected façade, The Plaza announced in a press release on Oct. 14. The hotel said the work is complex and would significantly disrupt its operations.

The restoration is still in the planning stages, with further details about how the work will be carried out under review. The hotel said the project will require coordination with relevant stakeholders and adherence to historic preservation requirements.

Since opening its doors on Oct. 1, 1907, The Plaza has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, entertainment figures and visitors from around the world, according to the hotel’s website. Its Fifth Avenue location near Central Park has helped make it one of the city’s most recognizable destinations.

Beyond its storied history, the hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and dining experiences, including afternoon tea at the Palm Court. The property also features restaurants, shopping and wellness facilities, as well as event spaces such as its Grand Ballroom and Terrace Room, which the hotel says have been restored to their original grandeur.

Designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, The Plaza has undergone several changes in ownership and multiple rounds of renovations throughout its history. Donald Trump purchased the hotel in 1988 for $390 million and owned it until 1995, The New York Times reported at the time.

The property was partially converted into condominiums in the early 2000s. Today, The Plaza has 282 hotel guestrooms, including 102 suites, as well as 181 condominium units, according to the hotel’s website.

The planned shutdown also raises questions about what lies ahead for the people who call The Plaza home. Fairmont, the hotel’s operator, has not clarified whether residents of its condominium units will need to leave while the restoration work takes place, according to The New York Times.

PEOPLE contacted The Plaza for further comment on the planned closure and restoration but did not receive a response with additional details.

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For hotel employees, the closure will mean a period of uncertainty as well. The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, which represents workers at the property, said its 378 union members will be eligible to return to their positions at their existing pay rates when The Plaza reopens. Until then, the union intends to help affected employees find work elsewhere, a union spokesperson told The New York Times.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council for comment but did not immediately hear back.

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