Here at the James New York NoMad, formerly known as the Seville Hotel, history whispers from every corner. The Seville Hotel first opened its doors in 1904. It quickly became a popular spot in New York City’s NoMad District.
Esteemed hotel investor Maitland E. Graves purchased the corner site in 1901. He began construction on what would become a three year project. The original Tiffany store was located in the same vicinity on 25th Street and Park Avenue. Graves commissioned Beaux Arts architect Harry Allen Jacobs for the project. Jacobs’ boisterous design is evident in the façade’s ornate detail.
Jacobs included a rusticated limestone base. He added red brick and white terra cotta trim. Three dimensional sculptural ornaments like rounded copper bays completed the look. Cartouches and large third story panels with foliage and lion heads added extra flair. With the main entrance on 29th Street, Jacobs and Graves built impressive public rooms on the east side. These rooms overlooked prestigious Madison Avenue.
The Seville was designed in the Beaux Arts style. The facade is divided into three sections. Brick, terracotta, and limestone make up much of the exterior above the first story. Each facade is split into bays. Ornamentation includes balconies and curved metal windows. The original public rooms were in the basement and first floor. Many of these spaces have since been modified. The modern lobby is within the annex at 88 Madison Avenue. It leads to restaurant spaces.
The Seville Hotel catered to both transient and permanent residents. Its upscale accommodations were close to the 23rd Street theater district. This prompted London actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell to check in shortly after opening. She was best known for her roles in plays by James Barrie and William Shakespeare.
One year after the Seville opened, Louis C. Raegner purchased the property next door. It ran from East 29th Street through the block to East 28th Street. This was to be the site of an annex. Architect Charles P. Mott designed the 10 story addition. The new part harmonized with the old. The addition doubled the hotel’s size with 21 more rooms per floor.
In its time, the space came to life as a tantalizing prohibition bar filled with high society New Yorkers. For those who love art, an exclusive art mural from Spanish American artist Domingo Zapata can be found on the exposed brick in the bar. You may also see some of Zapata’s collector’s items, like his matador jacket. These tie back into the roots of Spain.
In 1985, new owners refurbished the guest rooms. They brought a breath of fresh air into this New York City landmark. The hotel underwent major upgrades in 1987. This included restoration of the facade. It was renamed The Carlton Hotel on Madison Avenue.
The Seville was renovated again in the 2010s. The hotel reopened in February 2018. It was rebranded as the James New York NoMad. The Seville cocktail lounge and the Scarpetta restaurant opened at its base. The James New York NoMad is a New York City landmark. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as a testament to New York’s vibrant past and luxurious present.