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History of The New York Palace
The New York Palace possesses a prestigious heritage. More than a century ago, Henry Villard, one of the nation's most prominent financiers, commissioned McKim, Mead & White to create a residence of singular style. Constructed in 1882, that residence became known as The Villard Houses. Over the next century, the residence would change from private homes to offices for the Archdiocese and later, corporate offices for internationally known companies.
In the mid-1970s, the Archdiocese of New York, owners of the land, cleared the way for a hotel development that would incorporate this unique property, gracefully blending the landmark 1882 Villard Houses with a contemporary 55-story tower. The hotel opened in 1980 as The Helmsley Palace. In 1993, the hotel changed ownership and again underwent a comprehensive multi-million dollar restoration and refurbishment program.
Today, The New York Palace is proud to have joined Dorchester Collection’s impressive roster of outstanding hotels. The legendary Villard Houses, now The Villard Mansion, provides a stunning venue for business and social occasions with the elegant Villard Ballroom and The Madison Room, as well as Palace Gate, New York’s newest outdoor lounge, set in the charming courtyard. Through this perfect blend of past and present, the legacy of the New York Palace continues, providing guests with a distinctive experience at truly iconic New York hotel.