Story

The Marmara Park Avenue, a 128-key artisanal boutique hotel in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the most recent projects by designer Joe Ginsberg.

All of the distinct architectural components and sculptural focal points in the Marmara Park Avenue hotel amass influences and techniques from the past, reimagined in a contemporary style, combining historic details with chic elegance. The lobby’s artisanal features are handcrafted and fabricated by the designer and his team.

The facade of The Marmara Park Avenue is clad in black riveted iron creating an industrial, yet elegant entrance in contrast to the illustrious brighter lobby.

The main lobby is accessed through a jewel-box atrium, consisting of a blackened steel frame featuring 700 panes of prismatic, faceted glass and a paved walkway, the concept of bringing the outside in. This conservatory serves as an intimate and tranquil oasis, bringing the outdoors inside. The atrium is lit by a cast-bronze and hand blown glass pendant light, its design mimicking the atrium.

A hand forged bronze diamond patterned door, consisting of 750 individual panels opens into the lobby.

Upon arrival, the hotel guests are greeted at a monolithic pair of sculptural, cast limestone concierge desks, each weighing 900lbs. The custom bronze detail of the single leg evokes a pirates “peg” leg.

The seamless concrete floor is punctuated by an inlaid brass motive pattern throughout the lobby, the original design inspired by Kings and Queens.

The suspended abacus is designed for interaction, its’ tactile bird shaped beads invite you to spin and play.
Other carved woodland creatures beside the fireplace bring a playful sense of nature and whimsy to the space.

All were hand carved and dipped in concrete and buried in the woods for 6 months, giving them life to take flight.

A curvaceous, mirrored, stainless steel column fireplace takes center stage separating the lounge from the bar. This massive “glam” sculpture is supported by the demure nature of its surrounds.

Custom details are the focal points in the guestrooms. A photograph by Joe Ginsberg of the Third Avenue Bridge, restored in the past by the Marmara group owners, was used to create an intricate Mylar wall covering graphic in the guestroom entry foyers.