Gilsey House, Second Empire hotel in NoMad, Manhattan, US
Gilsey House is an eight-story hotel in Second Empire style located at 1200 Broadway, featuring a white cast-iron facade and a distinctive three-story mansard slate roof. The building originally contained about 300 guest rooms and was converted into residential apartments during renovation work in 1980.
Danish immigrant Peter Gilsey commissioned architect Stephen Decatur Hatch to build this establishment between 1869 and 1871, creating one of Manhattan's prominent hotels. The property operated as a well-regarded destination from its opening in 1872 until the early 1900s, when its fortunes gradually declined.
The hotel served as a gathering place for wealthy travelers and entertainers passing through Manhattan's theater district in the 1800s. The space reflected the social aspirations of the era, drawing professionals and artists seeking accommodation near Broadway's entertainment venues.
The building is now residential apartments and not open to the public, but its distinctive exterior remains visible from the street. Visitors can photograph the architectural details and appreciate its location on Broadway at a major intersection in the neighborhood.
The hotel pioneered telephone service in guest rooms when it installed lines in the late 1800s, making it one of the first such facilities in the city. This technological advancement attracted business travelers who needed modern communication tools during their stays.
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