London’s iconic BT Tower, a historic communications tower, is set to undergo a transformation into a hotel following its acquisition by hotel owner-operator MCR from telecommunications firm BT Group for 275 million British pounds (about $347 million).
Located in the Fitzrovia neighborhood, the 620-foot tower opened in 1965 as the city’s tallest building. It was surpassed in height in 1980 by the NatWest Tower. The tower, listed by England’s Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, was once home to a revolving top-floor restaurant and remained open to the public until 1971.
Most recently, it was operated by BT Group as a private corporate and charity event space.
MCR has announced that the transformation of the BT Tower will be a lengthy process, as BT Group requires several years to vacate the premises and due to the complex nature of the work to move technical equipment. The design development process is also expected to be time-consuming, with MCR emphasizing the need for engagement with local communities.
“We will take our time to carefully develop proposals that respect the London landmark’s rich history and open the building for everyone to enjoy,” said MCR owner and CEO Tyler Morse.
MCR has a track record of repurposing architectural landmarks, including the transformation of the former TWA Flight Center at New York’s Kennedy Airport into the TWA Hotel in 2019. The company is also currently redeveloping Manhattan’s historic Gramercy Park Hotel, which was built in the 1920s.
With a portfolio of about 150 hotels, MCR is poised to add a unique and historic property to its collection with the BT Tower in London.
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