sbe converts former Martha Washington Hotel into The Redbury NY

Los Angeles-based sbe completed the transformation of the former Martha Washington Hotel into The Redbury New York. Following openings in Hollywood and South Beach, Fla., the Manhattan debut marks the third and latest property from The Redbury brand, in collaboration with photographer Matthew Rolston. Since its phase one transformation in April to The Rebury New York, the hotel underwent design renovations.

Located on 29 East 29th Street in Manhattan’s NoMad district, The Redbury New York is the largest Redbury property to date, with 265 guestrooms, 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, Ciel Spa bath amenities, Wi-Fi connectivity, and in-room dining from on-site restaurant Marta.

The hotel first opened in 1903 as Martha Washington Hotel and was the first hotel in New York to provide housing for professional women. The hotel continued to cater exclusively to women until 1998. In 2012, the building was officially marked as a landmark site for its architectural and historical significance and is recognized today by Historic Hotels of America.

The original building was designed by Robert W. Gibson in renaissance revival style with classically-inspired brick and limestone, Palladian windows, splayed lintels with keystones and balconettes with iron railings.

For the transformation, creative director Matthew Rolston drew inspiration from New York’s history as one of the birthplaces of American pop music and rock ‘n roll, incorporating elements of this narrative into the property’s 265 newly-renovated guestrooms and interiors. Rolston worked with Dakota Development and Avenue Interiors to incorporate funky patterns, motifs and visual accents throughout the property. Key elements include The Redbury New York’s iconic red velvet opera curtain, black and white checkered flooring, and an enlarged original photograph of the Tin Pan Alley building. Hues of red and green are woven throughout the property with paisley prints, oriental rugs, balanced with antique light fixtures and reclaimed furnishings. There are also vintage art selections by Rolston displayed throughout the public spaces and guestrooms.

For dining, the property has Marta, helmed by executive chef Nick Anderer. Marta is a Roman-inspired pizzeria from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, located on the hotel's ground floor. The Italian restaurant draws inspiration from the tradition of rustic Roman pizzeria, and features an open kitchen with two wood-burning ovens and an open-fire grill.

Bar Marta, the hotel bar and lounge, is located within The Redbury’s lobby.

The Redbury brand was launched in 2010 with its first location in Los Angeles, as a new hospitality category for sbe, led by founder and CEO Sam Nazarian. Its design has influences from the 1960s era of pop music and bohemian counter-culture.