The buzz around Ian Schrager’s Public Hotel, located on Chrystie Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, shows that the 70-year-old founder of Studio 54 is still a cool downtown kid at heart. The 370-room structure, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, represents the fourth building from the Swiss firm to open in NYC. Working within the restrictive zoning code of the city, Herzog & de Meuron decided to focus on the building’s rudimentary structure, rather than any sort of expressive form. Public spaces are the beating heart of the building, including a park-like greenspace out front and rows of stadium-style steps inside, both of which invite visitors to sit and lounge a while. Rates start at an affordable $150, there’s not a bellhop in sight and guests check in via iPad. Schrager says the Public offers “luxury for all,” and any sense of opulence is seen in the building’s furnishings and breathtaking views, like the panoramic vistas that can be enjoyed from the rooftop bar. Underneath ground level, a subterranean venue dubbed Public Arts, will host everything from film screenings to theatrical productions.
