Fabled Waldorf Astoria’s new private flats in New York drawing interest from Hong Kong, mainland China buyers
- Studios start at US$1.7 million at the residential tower project at the New York landmark
- History of hotel includes ownership by Anbang Insurance before the fall of high-flying founder Wu Xiaohui
The fabled Waldorf Astoria of New York, which once got caught up in the saga of riches-to-rags Anbang Insurance Group, is attracting Chinese money again. This time, for flats in its new residential tower.
“We have received a significant number of enquiries from around the world, including many from Hong Kong and mainland China,” said Mei Wong, executive director and head of international residential sales, Knight Frank Hong Kong.
The sale of the 375 luxury condominium units of The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria began last week, Wong said, declining to say how many have been sold so far. Two thirds of the flats are two bedrooms or smaller. Listed prices begin at US$1.7 million for a 526 sq ft studio.
Amenities include a 25 metre pool, four private bars, spas and a wine tasting room.
The Park Avenue property, which was featured in Hollywood films such as The Royal Tenenbaums and Serendipity, was redeveloped by Chinese company Dajia Insurance Group, the successor to troubled Anbang.
The residential launch comes amid the spreading Covid-19 disease, which has tempered the appetite of buyers for real estate given disruptions in air travel and the overall slowdown in the global economy.