The architectural relationship of the building to its context I think is very, very important to the impression that people have when they see the building. The fact that it opens up right there on that corner and provides a kind of view into Central Park as well as that front door that invites people in. It makes it kind of a central node arrival point, like another heart within a city of many hearts.

Every single New Yorker has his own experience with the Plaza. Whether tea with their mother and grandmother at the Palm Court or drinking with their buddies in the Oak Bar, everyone has that landmark stake of ownership in the plaza. The biggest issue that we had when we were undertaking renovation was the public perception that the building would be destroyed. And everyone was afraid that their memories would be destroyed and the public spaces would be wiped out. It was through the public hearings that it really came aware to me that all of these new Yorkers have personal experiences with the Plaza and they really felt ownership of that building.