The Plaza Hotel Plans Four-Year Closure for Exterior Restoration

A planned four-year closure

The Plaza Hotel at 1 Central Park South is expected to close in January for a four-year exterior restoration, according to a 6sqft report published October 15, 2026. The reported closure includes the hotel, its event spaces, and the Palm Court restaurant.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s operator, said the work reflects the complexity of maintaining a property with architectural and historical significance. It said the facade work requires detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Preservation work and open questions

Under an agreement with the City Planning Commission, Plaza ownership is required to restore the building’s historic facades, roof, and landmarked interior spaces through a continuing maintenance program. The 18-story building, at the corner of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue, was designed in French Renaissance chateau style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in 1907.

The Plaza also contains 181 condominiums. It remains unclear whether residents will need to relocate during the project.

Workers’ reported protections

The New York Times reported that a representative of the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council said the hotel’s 378 union-member employees would be entitled to return at the same pay level when the hotel reopens. The representative also said the union would help workers find other employment during the closure.