Relive TWA Jet Age at JFK Hotel
The Eero Saarinen airline terminal that marked the TWA jet age at New York’s Idlewild Airport was a true work of beauty.
The terminal housed TWA jet operations at what is now JFK International Airport until American Airlines acquired the bankrupt airline in 2001. By that time, the once-iconic TWA had largely been sold off in pieces by corporate raider Carl Icahn. At the remaining hubs (JFK, LAX, and STL) travelers encountered architectural time capsules.
None was more glamorous than the one at JFK.
The shuttered terminal was last open to the public in one-day open houses in 2014 (as covered by us) and then again one more time in 2015. At that time, it was widely reported that new occupant, JetBlue, would partner to turn the space into a luxury hotel and conference space to open in 2018.
The TWA Jet Age Project
Now more details are emerging about the project, with updated opening projections for late 2018 to early 2019.
In line with originally reported plans, the Saarinen-designed terminal will remain intact as the lobby for the new hotel. Two towers will house 505 guest rooms. The former Constellation Club space will house a nightclub. The signature TWA red carpeting will feature throughout the property. The developer reports 6 to 8 total restaurants for the new property. One may be housed in the fuselage of a salvaged Lockheed Constellation, a nod to the TWA jet heritage.
More details can be found on MCR Development project website.
Am I the only one that thinks it strange the Jetblue would carry on the TWA branding when American should actually be doing this and I assume owns that brand name?
I think it’s strange too. I still get a twinge of sadness every time I enter the STL Admirals Club. I miss the glory days of the old Ambassadors Lounge!