New York Daily Photo Analytics

Friday, December 15, 2006

Tongues and Flames

When a friend and I on a photography shoot ran across this place, our reactions were the same - WHAT? Not only is the exterior unusual, but the business concept is also atypical. The Gershwin, at 7 E. 27th in the historic flatiron district, is a hybrid hotel and hostel, providing everything from 8-bedded rooms to more standard accommodations, even maintaining two separate websites (gershwinhotel.com and gershwinhostel.com). The fiberglass sconces on the facade were created by Finnish artist Stefan Lindfors who was asked to create something to distinguish the 1905 building. ''This hotel is always on fire,'' said Lindfor, who's piece is called Tongues and Flames. The entire hotel has created has created an atmosphere to cater to the young, chic, arty and European with the requisite amenities - internet access, The Living Room featuring jazz and comedy, an onsite gallery and a pop art adorned lobby with a signed Andy Warhol soup can ...

11 comments:

Kate said...

What an unusual find! Thanks for the tip which I will remember in the future. Now off to read their website. You photographed it beautifully to display its unusual features. How about the interior?

Anonymous said...

What a great photo! What does this building look like at night?

Brian Dubé said...

Kate -
I knew nothing about it when I shot it; I did not go inside. If I had known about the gallery and art aspect, I would have gone in and tried to get a photo.

Sophie-
I believe the fiberglass sconces are lit, but I have not seen it.

Brian

Anonymous said...

Wow. The style blows me away, and then looking at their rates, you wonder if it's too good to be true. We need more of this in the world -- great style AND value, for those of us who can't afford the Plaza (although at 50 I guess I'd be out of place in a hostel). Love the red lacquer. And these have to be the most unusual "awnings" I've ever seen.

Anonymous said...

So this is what post-modern surrealism looks like!...Amazing.

Anonymous said...

I HOPE EVERYONE IN THE CITY PHOTO RING SEES THIS PHOTO, it is so brilliantly unusual!!!
I like the concept, in fact I like everything about it. Wouldn't mind staying there if I came to NYC !

Brian Dubé said...

I can't speak to the quality of this hotel - I have not seen the rooms and I don't know anyone who has stayed there. So do your research before you go.
Brian

Randy said...

Great color, I love this shot.

Kelly said...

I stayed right next-door to this hotel on my recent trip to NYC, but I never saw the whole facade from this angle because I always walked past right underneath the flames!

An aside, I have read somewhere (Trip Advisor or Lonely Planet forums) that it is a nice place to stay, as well as very good value.

harlequinpan said...

Very unique and charming facade!

Anonymous said...

Looks like someone was channelling Gaudi at the time...astounding!