New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel to close for years as weather-worn exterior gets major makeover

NEW YORK, N.Y. – After more than a century of weathering New York City's harsh winters, scorching summers and powerful storms, the iconic Plaza Hotel is preparing for a major makeover.

In mid-October, officials announced the historic landmark would close for at least four years beginning in 2027 to restore its exterior facade.

Since 1907, the Plaza Hotel has served as an iconic fixture of New York City, facing Central Park along Fifth Avenue.

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It's been a location for weddings and other major events and has been featured in many movies and television shows.

In January 2027, the Plaza is set to close its doors for at least four years, so the work on its exterior can be completed safely.

"Understanding the unique place in New York City’s architectural heritage and cultural history it holds, The Plaza Hotel is advancing plans for repair and restoration works to its landmark-protected façade," a news release announcing the closure said. "The scope and complexity of the façade works require detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders, alongside adherence to applicable historic preservation requirements." 

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The Plaza has endured many weather events in the last nearly 120 years.

FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar spoke to Julia Satow, award-winning journalist, historian and author of "The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel," about the hotel's closure.

"If you look at the facade, the first three stories are made of marble," Satow said.

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Marble is not ideal for weathering the elements, being extremely porous. So extreme cold and heat, rain and even the sun, can wear down the stone drastically.

Most of the rest of the building's exterior is made of glazed terracotta brick, which also tends to need replacements and repairs after many decades.

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"I'm excited for what it will look like when it's fully renovated," Satow said. "I'm sure it will be beautiful."

The Plaza did not specify how much of the building would undergo renovations, but said the planning and execution of the work is still under review.