October 01, 2007
Fireworks at The Plaza highlight 100-year celebration
The Plaza tonight was feted with fireworks and a long boring ceremony to markits 100 years as one of the city's most beloved landmarks.
The fireworks show -- when it finally got started 45 minutes later than announced -- was fast but awesome, with swirly esplosions coming from the windows of the Fifth Avenue side of the building, and rockets shooting off the roof, often making it appear as though the hotel was on fire.
 In front of the hotel was a grand orchestra and a 12-foot tall cake in the shape of The Plaza. A giant video screen projected images of the ceremony so the crowd could see from across the street, where they were surrounded by the likes of Apple Store, FAO Schwarz and Bergdorfs. Only the fancy people were allowed on The Plaza side of Fifth Avenue and into Grand Army Plaza.
The Plaza itself is still closed, as its "18-month renovation" is turning into a "two-year renovation" project that will turn the iconic structure into a condo/hotel with luxury shops and spa facilities. Online reservations have opened for January 2008.
More pictures after the jump.
Before the show, the video screen showed images of famous visitors to The Plaza, including President Kennedy, the Beatles, and Truman Capote dancing at his Black and White Ball.
Matthew Broderick had a few brief words to say, starting with: "It's good to be here. Let's go Mets."
Some parts of the ceremony were even more curious than others, like the royal-sounding trumpets before Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff took to the podium, and the song from this woman. Overheard in the crowd: "I can't believe they let the daughter sing. I mean, they should have gotten someone. ..."
When the fireworks were over, this is how The 100-year-old Plaza appeared:
Earlier: The Plaza turns 100: still closed, fireworks anyway
October 1, 2007 10:41 PM in Hotelology
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