DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners has transformed the century-old Jarmulowsky Bank Building at the intersection of New York’s Chinatown and Lower East Side neighbourhoods into Nine Orchard, a new 116-room hotel and culinary destination.
Originally built in 1912 as the second location of Rabbi Sender Jarmulowsky’s banking business, the 83,000ft2, 14-floor property had been empty since 2006. DLJ worked closely with an accomplished team of collaborators to meticulously preserve the building’s character throughout, from its facade to its metalwork and millwork, with the aim of honouring the structure’s intrinsic beauty and returning a significant landmark to the neighbourhood.
Outside, the building’s original clock and 60ft-tall tempietto on the rooftop have been carefully recreated from old photographs and re-erected. Meanwhile, the lobby features a soaring, vaulted ceiling and large, arched windows; here, where bank tellers once worked, guests can check-in, lounge and enjoy a drink.
The 116 guestrooms are decidedly simple and quiet, with character infused in the details and craftsmanship: subdued materials of the highest quality, custom fixtures, restored mouldings and large windows that showcase generous vistas of the city and the vibrant surrounding neighbourhood. Three suites offer large private brick-paved terraces with incredible city views.
For its F&B programme, Nine Orchard has partnered with Ignacio Mattos of Mattos Hospitality on multiple restaurants, event spaces and the hotel’s room-service offering. The hotel’s three dining spaces include Lobby Lounge and Corner Bar, both now open, and Amado Grill, coming later this year.
Lobby Lounge is a high-end cocktail bar located in what is perhaps the most venerable space at Nine Orchard: a former bank teller room designed to feel like a living room. The 52-seat lounge serves aperitifs, cocktails, and sophisticated small plates. Corner Bar is a warm, energetic restaurant inspired by America’s legendary taverns. Open for breakfast and dinner, the menu offers classic bistro fare and a vast beverage selection focused on domestic producers.
