Ahead of next year’s opening, TWA Hotel’s second tower tops out

MCR and Morse Development’s repurposing of Eero Saarinen’s historic TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport into a hotel, event space and dining destination continues to move full speed ahead. The second crescent-shaped tower of the TWA Hotel officially topped out this week, nearly a year ahead of its spring 2019 opening. The hotel will contain 505 rooms, a rooftop pool, an observation deck, eight bars and restaurants and 50,000 square feet of event space. Saarinen’s landmarked TWA Flight Center terminal building will serve as the hotel lobby, a 200,000-square-foot space with retail, restaurants and bars.

Construction photos by Max Touhey

The two hotel wings are located behind the historic flight center, an ode to Saarinen’s unique design. The buildings will be covered with a seven layer, soundproofed glass facade, allowing the hotel rooms to be ultra quiet. The architects at the helm of the project are Beyer Blinder Belle and Lubrano Ciavarra Architects.

A museum devoted to the Jet Age and mid-century modern design movement will be found at the hotel. And restaurants include the restored Ambassador’s Club, Lisbon Lounge, Paris Cafe, and Constellation Club, which will also feature dancing.

Rendering via MCR Development

Saarinen’s flight center opened during the height of the Jet Age in 1962. It became one of the first terminals to feature enclosed passenger jetways, closed-circuit TV, baggage carousels and an electronic schedule board. Although designated on the National Register of Historic Places, the terminal has been shuttered since 2001.

The massive project involves 22 federal, state and city agencies, and is expected to create more than 3,700 construction and permanent jobs. The TWA Hotel is scheduled to open in 2019.

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All photos by Max Touhey, unless otherwise noted