In February, Hilton Worldwide Chief Executive Officer Christopher Nassetta said that his company was considering selling all or a part of the Waldorf, and that residential, office and retail uses were being considered for parts of the property. Anbang didn’t give details of the planned renovation.
While alterations may be made to the property’s interior, much of the exterior, including storefronts and entryways, is likely to remain the same as when the Waldorf was designated a New York City landmark in 1993, said Alex Herrera, director of technical services at the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
“What that means is any alterations to the exterior need to be approved in advance by the Landmarks Preservation Commission,” a city agency, Herrera said. “It means the exterior is protected due to its special significance in terms of history, architecture and culture. It won’t change much.”