New York City doesn't sit still. Neither do its buildings. If you’ve walked past the massive structure at 109 East 42nd Street lately, right next to Grand Central Terminal, you might have noticed things look a little different—or perhaps, a little neglected. This is the Grand New York Hotel, or at least, the building that most recently bore the "Grand Hyatt New York" branding before the world shifted on its axis in 2020.
It's a glass-clad giant. It feels permanent. But in the world of Manhattan real estate, nothing is ever truly finished.
Most people don't realize this building actually started its life in 1919 as the Commodore Hotel. It was a classic, masonry-heavy beast of the Jazz Age. Then came Donald Trump in the late 70s. He didn't just buy it; he wrapped the whole thing in dark, reflective glass, creating the sleek aesthetic we see today. It was his first major Manhattan play. Now, the Grand New York Hotel site is staring down a future that involves a wrecking ball and a 1,600-foot skyscraper.
The Identity Crisis of 109 East 42nd Street
Location is everything. If you stay here, you are basically breathing the same air as the commuters in Grand Central. It's convenient. It’s also chaotic. For decades, the Grand Hyatt served as the anchor for business travelers who needed to be "in the mix" without having to hail a cab.
But honestly? The hotel has struggled with its own identity. Is it a luxury destination? A convention hub? A relic of 80s gold-and-glass excess?
When the pandemic hit, the hotel shuttered. While many other NYC icons reopened their doors with a fresh coat of paint and higher nightly rates, the Grand New York Hotel stayed largely in limbo. Hyatt eventually reopened it under the "Grand Hyatt New York" banner on a limited basis, but the writing has been on the wall for years. The city approved a massive redevelopment project known as Project Commodore.
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175 Park Avenue. That’s the new name you need to know.
The plan involves tearing down the current structure to build a supertall tower that will house office space, retail, and a brand-new, much smaller luxury hotel. It's a pivot. The days of 1,300-room behemoths are fading in favor of ultra-high-end, boutique-style experiences stacked on top of Grade-A office floors.
Why the Grand New York Hotel Design Was Revolutionary (And Controversial)
Architect Der Scutt was the man behind the 1980 redesign. He took a traditional, limestone-and-brick hotel and essentially "mummified" it in glass.
Some critics hated it. They thought it was a cold, mirrored middle finger to the historic Grand Central next door. Others loved the way it reflected the sky and the surrounding masonry, making the heavy building feel almost liquid. If you look closely at the facade today, you can see the wear. The glass is a bit duller. The edges are a bit more frayed.
Inside, the lobby was designed to be a spectacle. Brass. Waterfalls. Massive columns. It felt like "Success" with a capital S. If you were a business person in 1985, walking through those doors meant you had arrived. You've probably seen similar lobbies in movies from that era where everyone is wearing power suits with massive shoulder pads. That's the vibe.
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Navigating the Current State of Play
So, can you actually stay there right now? It's complicated.
As of early 2026, the transition toward demolition and redevelopment is the primary focus of the owners (TF Cornerstone and MSD Partners). While Hyatt has maintained a presence, the "Grand Hyatt" as we knew it is effectively a ghost of its former self. If you are looking for that specific Grand New York Hotel experience, you’re better off looking at the newer Hyatt properties like the Park Hyatt on 57th Street or the Andaz nearby.
Realistically, the area around 42nd Street is undergoing a massive facelift. One Vanderbilt changed the skyline. Now, the Grand Hyatt site is the next piece of the puzzle.
- The Commute: You can't beat it. Subways, Metro-North, and the LIRR are all beneath your feet.
- The Noise: It’s Midtown. It never stops. If you want quiet, go to the Upper West Side.
- The Food: You have the Grand Central Oyster Bar a three-minute walk away. That's a win in any book.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transition
People think a hotel closes and that's it. It’s over.
But in New York, a closing is just a very long, very expensive prologue to a rebirth. The Grand New York Hotel site isn't dying; it's evolving into a multi-use hub that reflects how people work now. We don't need 1,300 identical rooms anymore. We need high-speed internet, outdoor terraces 600 feet in the air, and direct "transit-oriented development" (that's the buzzword urban planners love).
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The new tower, 175 Park Avenue, will actually improve the area around the hotel. They’re planning 25,000 square feet of public space. Elevated plazas. Better views of the Chrysler Building. It’s a trade-off. We lose a piece of 80s history, but we gain a more functional piece of the 21st-century skyline.
Actionable Advice for Travelers and History Buffs
If you are a fan of NYC architecture, go see the current building now. Seriously. Take photos of the reflective glass before the scaffolding goes up for good. It’s a specific era of New York history that is rapidly being demolished—literally.
For those planning a trip and looking for that "Grand" experience in Midtown, consider these alternatives:
- The Chrysler Building's neighbors: Since you can't get the old Hyatt experience, look at the Westin New York Grand Central. It's just a block over and offers a similar "big hotel" feel with modern amenities.
- The Library Hotel: If you want something that feels historic but isn't a massive chain, this is right around the corner on 41st. It’s the polar opposite of a 1,000-room glass box.
- Check the status: Before booking anything that claims to be the "Grand Hyatt New York" at 109 E 42nd St, verify through the official Hyatt site. Third-party booking sites are notoriously slow at updating when a hotel has shifted to "limited service" or "closing" status.
The saga of the Grand New York Hotel is a reminder that in Manhattan, you don't own the land—you just rent it from history. The reflective glass that once defined the Reagan-era skyline is giving way to the transparent, sustainable glass of the future. It’s just the way the city breathes.
Keep your eyes on the permits and the cranes. The next version of this icon is going to be even taller, even shinier, and probably even more expensive.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Walk through the Grand Central Terminal main concourse and exit through the 42nd Street "Lexington" passage. Look up at the Hyatt facade. Notice how it reflects the Chrysler Building. This is the last window of time to see that specific view before the site changes forever. If you’re looking for a stay, book at the Andaz 5th Avenue for a similar Hyatt-tier experience without the "under-construction" vibes of the 42nd Street corridor.