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The Dominick, formerly the Trump SoHo,[3][4] is a $450 million, 46-story, 391-unit hotel condominium located at 246 Spring Street at the corner of Varick Street in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was announced in 2006, completed in 2008 and renamed in 2017.

Key Information

The area is zoned for manufacturing, which precludes permanent residences from being built there. The condo-hotel design was approved after negotiations with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. As a hotel condominium, 391 dwelling units within the building will be privately owned, but no unit may "be occupied by the same person for more than 29 days in any 36-day period, or for more than 120 days a year."[5] When not occupied by the owner, an empty unit may be rented out as a hotel suite. The design architects for the building were the New York–based Handel Architects. The interior designer is David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group.

The project was a collaboration between Donald Trump's The Trump Organization, the Bayrock Group and Tamir Sapir. Trump has not invested his own capital in the project. Before the Trump name was removed, the Trump SoHo was the most recent building project constructed by Trump with his name on it, as of August 2016.

The hotel is part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection.[3]

Amenities

[edit]

The developers stated that the 386,000-square-foot (3.59 ha) condo-hotel was designed to contribute to the neighborhood as well as the skyline. On the other hand, many complain that it "sticks out like a sore thumb" and is entirely inappropriate for the area. Along with the private rooms, there are public areas, including Spring & Varick restaurant and Mr. Jones, the hotel's cocktail lounge.[6] There is also a business center with conference and meeting rooms.

The hotel features an outdoor, seasonal pool deck with a bocci court. Located on the same level is the 11,000 square feet (1,000 m2) The Spa at Dominick, fitness facilities and the seasonal bar Bar d’Eau.

The external walls of each room are made completely of double sided mirrors, giving its tenants a panoramic view. The rooms are the only New York City hotel furnished by Fendi Casa. The 46th floor is home to "SoHi", an event space offering New York skyline views.[7]

History

[edit]

The plans for the building were unveiled on Donald Trump's show, The Apprentice,[8] and chosen by the Season 5 winner, Sean Yazbeck, over the Honolulu Trump International Hotel and Tower project on the June 5, 2006, Apprentice season finale.[9] As of August 2016, it was the newest building constructed by Trump with his name on it,[10] but by November 2017, this was no longer set to be the case due to the removal of the Trump name.[11]

Partners on the project included Soviet-born businessmen Felix Sater and Tevfik Arif, who ran the Bayrock Group real estate development firm.[12] Trump's deal with Sater and Arif gave Trump 18 percent of the equity in the project in exchange for licensing Trump's name.[13]

Construction and difficulties

[edit]

Excavation and foundation work for the new building began in November 2006,[14] though full city approval for the project was not granted until May 2007.[15] The plan faced strong opposition from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation. The preservation group felt that the building was too large and not in keeping with the community's character. They pushed for rezonings of the Far West Village and Hudson Square that would prevent out-of-scale projects such as this.[16]

The building's entrance on Spring Street

Construction was temporarily halted in December 2006 after workers discovered human bones.[17] Archaeologists determined that the remains were from 19th-century burial vaults built under the former Spring Street Presbyterian Church,[18] which stood at the site until 1966.[19]

On January 14, 2008, formwork collapsed during a concrete pour, killing one worker. Yuriy Vanchytskyy, an immigrant from Ukraine employed by DiFama Concrete, fell from the 42nd floor and was decapitated; three other workers were injured. The Department of Buildings halted work on the project and the contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, was issued four violations. Investigators subsequently determined that the wooden formwork did not meet industry standards.[20][21][22] The stop-work order, which only applied to the building's upper floors, was later lifted on August 22.[23]

The building's financing was troubled: Bank of America dumped the mezzanine loan for far less than its $75 million face value and the lenders who have $350 million in loans had to restructure debt with the developer.[24]

Fraud lawsuit

[edit]

On November 2, 2011, Adam Leitman Bailey, represented a group of buyers who were in contract with approximately 30 apartments in Trump Soho, including French soccer player Olivier Dacourt, suing the condominium for fraud.[25] The plaintiffs had claimed that they were tricked into buying the condos by "deceptive" sales figures from the developers and that the number of apartments sold at Trump Soho had been "fraudulently misrepresented." While the lawsuit continued, The Wall Street Journal reported that the owners of Trump SoHo were offering buyers partial refunds on their deposits if they agreed not to participate in the lawsuit.[26]

In 2015 the case settled with the owners obtaining 90 percent of their down payments as well as their attorney fees. The New York Post described plaintiffs' 90% recovery as "staggering.” [27] In addition, the plaintiffs agreed unless subpoenaed not to cooperate with prosecutors who were investigating Trump family members. Further, the attorney for the buyer, Adam Leitman Bailey—who had been assisting prosecutors—agreed as part of the settlement to "write a letter to the [Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.] that stated, 'We acknowledge that the Defendants have not violated the criminal laws of the State of New York or the United States.'" [28][29]

In 2017, the Trump SoHo lawsuit was described as "a watershed case in the world of condo litigation. ... [C]ondo attorneys said that developers are now far more reluctant to disclose sales information to buyers’ attorneys, for fear of legal repercussions if they turn out to be wrong."[30]

Decline in business and disassociation with Trump

[edit]

Because of Trump's campaign in the 2016 presidential election, Trump branded properties in New York City saw a decline in business.[31] In May 2017, WNYC reported that business at the Trump SoHo had fallen off, and that the hotel had plans to lay off some staff. The report speculated that the Trump name may be the cause of the downturn, although it pointed out that other Trump properties, such as the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. and the resort-hotel in Mar-a-Lago, had not experienced business reverses, and were in fact doing very well.[32] Other Trump properties, such as Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles and Trump Ferry Point in the Bronx, had shown a marked decrease in business.[33] In November 2017, the Trump Organization reported that it was no longer going to be affiliated with the Trump SoHo by the end of the year.[11][34] The building was renamed the Dominick on December 21, 2017.[4]

In July 2025, Cain International agreed to pay about $175 million for the Dominick.[35][36]

Critical reception

[edit]

The AIA Guide to New York City, 5th edition, calls the building a "banal glass box".[1]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Dominick

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Dominick is a 46-story luxury hotel condominium at 246 Spring Street on the border of SoHo and Hudson Square in Manhattan, New York City. The property features 391 condominium units designed as spacious hotel rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Originally developed by the Trump Organization in partnership with Bayrock Group and designed by Handel Architects, it opened to the public as Trump SoHo on April 9, 2010. Following Donald Trump's election as president in 2016, the hotel experienced a sharp decline in occupancy and revenue, largely due to customer aversion to the Trump brand, prompting the Trump Organization to end its management agreement in late 2017. The property rebranded overnight as The Dominick on December 21, 2017, under new ownership by the Sapir Organization and Erik Southern, resulting in a rebound in bookings and positioning it as a five-diamond independent luxury hotel with amenities including a seasonal rooftop pool, full-service spa, and multiple dining options. In October 2025, investment firm Cain acquired the hotel for $175 million with intentions to renovate and rebrand it as Delano SoHo New York.

Overview and Specifications

Location and Architectural Design

The Dominick is situated at 246 Spring Street in the neighborhood of , , positioned on the western edge of SoHo adjacent to . This location places the hotel one block west of , within an area primarily characterized by office buildings rather than the retail and residential focus of central SoHo. The building, a 46-story tower completed in 2009, was designed by New York-based Handel Architects. It features a modern facade clad in a silver glass curtain wall, spanning 374,000 square feet and housing 391 guest rooms. The interior design, executed by of the Rockwell Group, incorporates custom Casa furnishings, marking it as the only New York with such bespoke elements from the brand.

Building Specifications and Development Cost

The Dominick is a 46-story hotel tower located at 246 Spring Street in , . The building stands at a height of 138.4 meters (454 feet) and features a silver wall facade designed by Handel Architects. It encompasses approximately 374,000 square feet, including 391 guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the , SoHo, and skyline. Guestrooms average 605 square feet in size, ranging from 422 square feet for standard king rooms to 2,331 square feet for penthouse suites, with about 12 rooms per floor. The project, originally developed as Trump SoHo by the Sapir Organization and Bayrock Group in partnership with the Trump Organization, had a total development cost of $450 million. This included a $350 million construction financing package secured in 2007. Construction was completed in 2009, with the hotel opening in 2010. The structure includes amenities such as a five-story podium with retail space, a spa, rooftop pool, and over 12,000 square feet of meeting and event areas.

Historical Development

Planning and Key Partnerships

The Trump SoHo project originated as a development in , with planning commencing in the mid-2000s to capitalize on the neighborhood's appeal while navigating restrictions through a condo-hotel model that allowed residential sales alongside operations. The initiative was publicly announced by in 2006, coinciding with the fifth season of The Apprentice, positioning it as a luxury branded property at 246 Spring Street. Development responsibilities were led by the Bayrock Group LLC, a firm founded by with operational involvement from , in partnership with the Sapir Organization headed by , who provided significant equity financing estimated at around $50 million. The Trump Organization participated via a licensing agreement for the Trump brand and management services, without committing its own capital, entitling it to fees and a profit share that reportedly reached 25% of distributions after cost recovery. This structure facilitated rapid project advancement, with groundbreaking in December 2006 following site acquisition and approvals. Bayrock's role extended to securing additional funding, including from foreign investors such as Icelandic firm FL Group and later contributions linked to post-Soviet entities, reflecting the firm's international networks amid New York's booming market. The partnerships emphasized Trump's branding expertise to attract high-end buyers, with initial sales launches targeting units priced from $1.5 million to over $30 million for penthouses. Architectural planning involved Handel Architects for the 46-story glass-clad tower, designed to integrate with SoHo's aesthetic while maximizing views and amenities.

Construction Period and Challenges

Construction of the Trump condominium hotel, located at 246 Spring Street in Manhattan's neighborhood, commenced with in 2006. The project, a between , Bayrock Group, and the Sapir Organization, faced approval hurdles, receiving city construction permits on May 8, 2007, despite opposition from local officials and community groups concerned about zoning variances and neighborhood impacts. The 46-story tower reached completion in 2009, though the hotel did not open until 2010 due to delays exacerbated by the global . Significant challenges arose during the build, including a fatal on January 14, 2008, when a Ukrainian , Yuri Vanchytskyy, plummeted 42 stories to his death after a wooden mold on the 42nd floor collapsed. investigators attributed the incident to substandard wooden supports that failed to meet building codes while was being poured, prompting the New York Department of Buildings to issue an immediate stop-work order halting all activity at the site. This shutdown lasted approximately six weeks until partially lifted on February 21, 2008, allowing limited resumption, though full operations were impeded by ongoing safety probes and additional violations. Further complications included another stop-work order after a hoisting device malfunctioned, causing it to break free and shatter glass on multiple floors due to high winds. The site's proximity to a historical also raised concerns among developers about potential archaeological delays, though no major excavations were mandated. Community advocates cited complaints of shoddy practices and non-compliance, contributing to fines totaling over $460,000 for various infractions. These incidents, combined with the 2008 recession's financing strains, extended the timeline and increased costs for the $450 million project.

Opening and Initial Operations

The Trump SoHo opened to the public on April 9, 2010, following delays from an initially planned debut in early February of that year. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by and , marking the property's entry into the Trump Hotel Collection as its first luxury hotel condominium in the neighborhood. described the event as a "terrific day for downtown New York," highlighting its location in an iconic neighborhood and positioning it as a high-end offering for ultra-luxury travelers. Upon opening, the 46-story, 391-unit property operated as a hybrid hotel-condominium, allowing owners to rent out their units through the hotel's management when not in personal use. Designed by Handel Architects, it featured expansive views of and the , with initial marketing targeted at wealthy international buyers drawn to the Trump brand and opulent amenities such as a , fitness center, and multiple dining options. Early operations emphasized its status as a pioneering luxury development in , with room rates starting in the high hundreds per night and condominium units closing sales around the opening period. The hotel's management, under , focused on delivering five-star service, including and for both hotel guests and condo owners. Initial occupancy and performance data from the opening months indicated strong interest from high-profile visitors and foreign investors, though specific metrics were not publicly detailed at the time. The property's launch aligned with a recovering post-financial crisis market for luxury real estate in , benefiting from its proximity to cultural hubs and waterfront. Operations included seasonal offerings and event spaces, setting the stage for its role in the neighborhood's evolving hospitality landscape.

Business Performance and Operations

Early Financial Struggles

Following its opening on April 9, 2010, the Trump SoHo -condominium experienced immediate financial pressures, primarily from sluggish sales that predated the launch. Sales of the 391 units, marketed as condo-hotel investments where owners could use units up to 120 days annually with the rest rented out by the , began in 2007 but failed to meet projections amid the lingering effects of the and oversupply in Manhattan's luxury market. By early 2011, developers reduced prices across units, with studios dropping to as low as $299 per night equivalent for investment purposes, reflecting weak demand. These sales shortfalls triggered debt servicing issues for developers Bayrock Group and the Sapir Organization, leading to a near-foreclosure in December 2010 on a $220 million from iStar Financial. The project was recapitalized via a new from , which allowed developers to substantially repay iStar and avert immediate default, though publicly touted hotel occupancy exceeding 90 percent at the time. However, persistent condo inventory— with only partial absorption—continued to strain cash flows, as rental revenues from hotel operations proved insufficient to offset construction debt exceeding $500 million total. Buyer dissatisfaction compounded the woes, culminating in a 2011 class-action lawsuit by over 50 unit purchasers alleging that , , and had misrepresented sales figures—claiming 90 percent sold when actual commitments were far lower—to inflate perceived demand and induce investments. The suit highlighted discrepancies in reported versus verified contracts, underscoring credibility issues in marketing that deterred further . While the hotel portion reported initial occupancy aligning with Manhattan's broader recovery (citywide rates rose to over 85 percent in 2010), the hybrid model's reliance on condo revenue for debt coverage exposed structural vulnerabilities. By 2014, unresolved debt pressures resurfaced, with CIM Group initiating foreclosure proceedings on the property after developers defaulted on obligations tied to the 2010 refinancing. In September 2014, 58 units remained listed for resale, priced from $915,000 for studios to $50 million for penthouses, signaling distress sales amid low absorption rates. CIM ultimately won the November 2014 auction, assuming control of the asset and highlighting the project's failure to achieve financial stability in its formative years despite the Trump brand's promotional efforts.

Rebranding from Trump SoHo to The Dominick

In November 2017, the Trump Organization agreed to terminate its licensing and management agreement for the property, allowing the owner to remove the Trump branding amid reports of declining occupancy and operational challenges. The Trump Organization had not owned the building but provided the brand name and operational oversight under a paid licensing deal since the property's 2010 opening. On December 21, 2017, the 46-story hotel-condominium tower at 246 Spring Street officially rebranded as The Dominick, with signage changes completed overnight and operations shifting to an affiliate of the owner, . , which acquired the property in 2014, retained ownership and selected the new name to evoke the nearby Dominick Street while distancing from prior associations. As part of the agreement, compensated to relinquish the branding rights, marking the end of the Trump affiliation. The process involved rapid updates to marketing materials, website, and on-site elements, with the property continuing as a mixed-use and residential under CIM's direct control. This transition followed years of financial underperformance, including low room bookings attributed in part to the property's high pricing and location in a recovering neighborhood.

Post-Rebrand Revival and Occupancy Trends

Following its rebranding from Trump to The Dominick on December 20, 2017, the property under CIM Group's management experienced a marked operational revival, reversing prior declines linked to political associations and market aversion. In 2018, revenue per available room rose by more than 20 percent year-over-year, the average daily rate increased by $51 (a 20 percent gain, compared to 2 percent for local competitors), and room nights booked grew by 7,000 relative to 2017, signaling stronger occupancy utilization across its 391 units. These gains, documented in early post-rebrand analyses, positioned The Dominick as a competitive luxury offering in , with sustained viability evidenced by an $83 million refinance in 2023 despite broader hospitality sector pressures like the downturn.

Fraud Lawsuit and Buyer Disputes

In August 2010, a group of 15 condominium buyers filed a federal lawsuit in against , his children , , and , as well as and project developers, alleging fraud in the marketing of Trump SoHo units. The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Adam Leitman Bailey, claimed that promoters falsely stated that over 60%—or "more than half"—of the 168 residential units had been sold to generate enthusiasm and create a perception of high demand, when internal documents revealed actual sales closer to 16% or less. These misrepresentations were said to violate federal securities laws, as the condo-hotel units qualified as securities, and buyers sought rescission of contracts along with refunds of their deposits, which ranged from 20% to 50% of purchase prices starting at around $2 million per unit. Trump's legal team dismissed the suit as "simply a matter of ," attributing complaints to the post-2008 downturn that reduced property values and resale prospects, rather than any deceptive practices. The dispute highlighted broader challenges in condo-hotel , where developers often used aggressive projections to attract investors amid market volatility. In response to the litigation, Trump SoHo developers offered deposit refunds to buyers who opted not to join the , aiming to limit participation. The case settled in November 2011 without admission of liability, with the Trump Organization agreeing to return approximately 90% of deposits—totaling millions of dollars—to the approximately 30 affected buyers who had contracted for units. Separately, the Manhattan District Attorney's office investigated potential felony fraud by Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. for their roles in approving sales materials with the allegedly inflated figures, but declined to prosecute in 2012, citing insufficient evidence for criminal charges despite internal emails showing awareness of the discrepancies. These events contributed to ongoing buyer dissatisfaction, with some units remaining unsold or resold at losses during the recession, though no further civil fraud suits directly tied to The Dominick's post-rebrand operations have emerged. The Trump SoHo project was developed through a partnership between , which licensed its brand and provided management services, and the Bayrock Group LLC, a firm that served as the primary developer and equity investor. Bayrock, founded in 2001 by , a Kazakhstani businessman of Turkish origin, assembled financing and oversaw construction starting in 2005 on the site at 246 Spring Street, with the building opening in 2010. , a Russian-born executive and former managing director at Bayrock, played a key role in facilitating the deal and subsequent projects with , including marketing efforts and investor outreach. Multiple civil lawsuits have alleged that Bayrock engaged in illicit activities tied to the Trump development, including , , and . In a 2010 suit filed by former Bayrock finance director Jody Kriss and developer Michael Oberlander, plaintiffs claimed Bayrock's "core business model" involved laundering criminally derived funds through U.S. , with Trump serving as a for concealing approximately $250 million in projected profits from questionable sources, such as non-transparent investments from former Soviet states. The complaint further accused Bayrock executives of skimming fees, bribing officials, and hiding Sater's 1998 conviction for a $40 million scheme linked to , which allegedly enabled fraudulent bank financing for the project. Bayrock denied these claims as "unsubstantiated falsehoods," and the case was settled confidentially in without admission of liability. Additional allegations surfaced in a 2019 lawsuit by Cyprus Popular Bank against Sater, asserting he facilitated money laundering by routing $3 million in allegedly embezzled funds from Kazakhstani sources as down payments for three Trump SoHo condominium units purchased by Ilyas Khrapunov, son of the former mayor of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Sater, who had cooperated with U.S. authorities as an FBI informant following his 1998 plea deal, was not charged criminally in connection with these claims, and the suit focused on his post-Bayrock activities. Donald Trump stated in a 2007 deposition that the Trump Organization would not have partnered with Bayrock had it known the full extent of Sater's criminal history, though Sater's involvement was later described by Trump as peripheral. No criminal charges were brought against the Trump Organization or Bayrock related to these allegations, which have been amplified in media reports but remain unproven in court. In November 2017, amid ongoing scrutiny, the agreed to relinquish its management contract and branding rights for the property, receiving a from the owners, which distanced it from Bayrock, a now-dormant firm. These associations have drawn attention in investigations into broader financial networks, though federal probes, including those by , did not result in charges against Trump entities for Trump SoHo-specific misconduct.

Amenities and Guest Features

Hotel and Residential Facilities

The Dominick operates as a hotel with 391 units across its 46-story structure, integrating hotel guestrooms and suites with privately owned residential s that owners may elect to rent through the hotel's management program. Hotel accommodations include residential-style rooms and suites categorized by view and floor, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramas of , the skyline, or the . Standard rooms on lower floors (9–26) provide king-size pillow-top beds, European-style wet bars with microwaves and machines, oversized Italian-marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and rain showers, leather-topped desks, LCD HDTVs, and complimentary . Higher "SoHi View" suites on floors 27–41 and penthouse suites on select upper levels (including floors 33 and 42–44) expand to duplex and two-bedroom configurations with enhanced views, custom Casa furnishings, and additional complimentary services such as access to the 24-hour fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool. Accessible units incorporate roll-in showers and grab bars. Residential condominiums mirror hotel unit designs, comprising studios, one-bedroom apartments, and 11 two-bedroom penthouses, equipped with flooring, custom beds, full-height headboards, two-person soaking tubs, glass-enclosed showers, and expansive views of the skyline, , or landmarks like the and . Owners benefit from 24-hour , , doorman and services, and shared access to the property's , fitness center, and outdoor pool deck with court, while retaining the option for hotel-managed rentals to generate income. These facilities emphasize luxury and flexibility, distinguishing the property as a hybrid model in SoHo's landscape.

Unique Offerings and Luxury Amenities

The Dominick distinguishes itself with a seventh-floor seasonal outdoor pool deck measuring 6,000 square feet, providing unobstructed views of the and skyline, complemented by cabanas and lounge seating for daytime relaxation and evening events. Adjacent to the pool, Terrace on 7 serves as a multi-functional indoor-outdoor space housing El Ta'koy, a offering Japanese-Peruvian , alongside a bar and lounge that host seasonal programming including live music and themed gatherings. The hotel's Sisley-Paris Spa emphasizes botanical therapies derived from the brand's Phyto-Aroma complexes, with treatments such as facial massages and body wraps conducted in eight private suites; guests receive complimentary access to facilities including a steam room, dry , and Himalayan salt inhalation room designed for respiratory wellness. A 24-hour fitness center spans 4,000 square feet and includes cardio machines, free weights, and areas, with optional personal training sessions available through certified instructors. Luxury extends to accommodations featuring Casa custom furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows in all 391 rooms and suites, and marble-appointed bathrooms equipped with deep soaking tubs in select units, alongside residential-style conveniences like machines, microwaves, and wet bars in penthouse and multi-bedroom configurations. Event venues, such as the 5,000-square-foot Grand Penthouse , incorporate panoramic glass walls for and vistas, supporting capacities up to 300 guests for weddings and corporate functions.

Recent Ownership Changes

2025 Acquisition by Cain International

In October 2025, Cain International, a privately held firm led by Jonathan Goldstein, acquired The Dominick at 246 Spring Street in , from for approximately $175 million. The transaction closed on October 10, 2025, with the deed recorded on October 21, 2025, following a contract signed on June 27, 2025. The deal encompassed the 46-story property's 390 keys and 280 condominium units, marking Cain's expansion into luxury hospitality assets in prime urban markets. The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation in New York City's hospitality sector amid post-pandemic recovery and investor interest in repositioning underperforming assets. , the seller, had owned the property since 2017 and oversaw its operations during a period of variable occupancy influenced by market disruptions. Cain financed part of the purchase through a $180 million construction loan from Madison Realty Capital, secured shortly after closing to support initial redevelopment efforts. This move aligns with Cain's strategy of targeting lifestyle-oriented properties for value-add transformations, building on prior investments in similar high-profile locations.

Planned Modernization and Rebranding to Delano SoHo

Following its October 2025 acquisition of The Dominick for $175 million, announced plans for a comprehensive modernization and rebranding of the 46-story, 390-room property at 246 Spring Street as Delano SoHo New York, marking the revival of the Delano brand in the United States after its previous properties shuttered. The initiative, described as a "thoughtful modernization," aims to reposition the hotel within 's luxury-lifestyle portfolio by integrating Delano's signature blend of design, culture, and hospitality, emphasizing a serene sanctuary that merges modern and classic elements with soft, sculptural forms, curved silhouettes, rich textures, and bespoke finishes. To fund the redevelopment, secured an $180 million construction loan from Madison Realty Capital, targeting enhancements to elevate the guest experience through updated interiors and facilities while preserving the property's skyline and views, rooftop pool, spa, and event spaces. The reimagined design will incorporate Delano's evolving aesthetic, including layered and sensual interiors featuring the brand's iconic "Delano white" palette alongside opposing textures and forms to create a bohemian-luxury ambiance suited to SoHo's creative district. Ennismore, the operator of the Delano brand under its partnership with , will manage the hotel post-rebrand, leveraging 's 2024 minority stake in the brand to align with global expansion plans across , the , , and . No specific timeline for completion has been disclosed, though the project builds on the hotel's status as New York City's only independent AAA Five Diamond property, with Cain's Eric Poretsky stating that provides "the ideal backdrop for Delano’s pioneering collection of , and creativity." The rebranding reflects broader industry trends toward branded conversions of independent luxury assets to capitalize on established identities amid competitive urban markets.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews of Design and Hospitality

The design of The Dominick, originally developed as Trump SoHo and completed in 2010, has elicited mixed responses from architectural critics, primarily due to its exterior by Handel Architects featuring a curtain wall system. Described as a "bland" glass box typical of many Trump-branded projects, the 46-story structure was criticized for its lack of contextual sensitivity to SoHo's historic cast-iron , exacerbating concerns over scale and enabled by a legal in regulations. Despite these critiques, the building's modernist aesthetic, with sleek facades and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in guest rooms, has been praised for providing panoramic views of the and Manhattan skyline, contributing to a sense of luxury and openness. Interiors, updated post-rebranding, incorporate contemporary elements like bronze and leather accents in the lobby and local art installations, offering a serene contrast to SoHo's bustling streets. Hospitality reviews highlight strengths in amenities such as the seasonal rooftop terrace pool and 24-hour , which enhance the guest experience with efficient, professional staff interactions in many instances. However, guest feedback reveals inconsistencies, particularly during peak periods or staffing shortages, with reports of extended waits for services like delivery—up to three hours in some cases—and occasional from management. Aggregate ratings reflect this variability: 4.5 out of 5 on from over 5,000 reviews as of 2025, praising modern spaciousness, but lower scores on platforms like (3.8/5) citing facility maintenance issues despite strong service efforts. Critics note that while the hotel's five-star aspirations are evident in polished check-ins and upscale offerings, operational lapses undermine the premium positioning, especially compared to competitors in .

Industry Recognition and Neighborhood Impact

The Dominick has received multiple accolades from prominent travel industry organizations. In the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, it ranked among the top five hotels in New York City, praised for its blend of uptown elegance and downtown edge, including custom Fendi Casa furnishings. Forbes Travel Guide awarded it four stars in 2025, recognizing its city and Hudson River views, spacious accommodations, and location in SoHo. It holds AAA Five Diamond status, the only such rating in the neighborhood since its 2010 opening. Additionally, Preferred Hotels & Resorts named it Hotel of the Year for the US and Canada in its 2024 Awards of Excellence. Guest review platforms reflect strong performance, with rating it 4.5 out of 5 based on over 5,000 reviews as of 2025, highlighting luxurious atmosphere, modern decor, and views. The scores it 18.6 out of 20 from verified guests, incorporating post-stay feedback into its evaluation. Earlier recognition includes a 2022 Gold Badge for best hotels. The hotel's presence in , at the corner of Spring and Varick Streets bordering , has influenced the local economy primarily through its operational performance. Prior to the rebranding from Trump SoHo, the property faced financial difficulties, including low occupancy tied to brand association, which limited revenue generation. Post-rebranding to The Dominick, occupancy and revenue surged, transforming it into a high-performing asset that supports local and jobs in a neighborhood known for galleries and retail. Construction of the 46-story tower, completed in 2010, added a prominent glass-clad structure to the skyline, contributing to the area's shift toward mixed-use luxury development. However, early condo sales involved numerous shell companies, raising unproven allegations of facilitating opaque foreign investment, though no formal charges resulted against the property itself. In 2024, the hotel sought city approval to expand outdoor space for its Michelin-starred restaurant, potentially enhancing neighborhood dining options but sparking minor land-use debates. Overall, its sustained operation as a luxury venue has bolstered SoHo's appeal to affluent visitors without documented broader displacement effects.

References

  1. https://www.thedominickhotel.com/
  2. https://www.travelweekly.com/Hotels/New-York-NY/The-Dominick-p51837613
  3. https://www.thedominickhotel.com/accommodations
  4. https://preferredhotels.com/hotels/united-states/dominick
  5. https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2010/03/18/trump-soho-at-246-spring-street-gets-official-april-9-opening-date-and-schedule-set-for-closings/
  6. https://handelarchitects.com/project/dominick-hotel
  7. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-27/trump-soho-hotel-was-struggling-then-it-changed-its-name
  8. https://www.boston.com/travel/travel/2018/10/30/this-hotel-took-trump-out-of-its-name-now-the-guests-are-coming-back/
  9. https://ny.curbed.com/2017/12/21/16807652/trump-soho-dominick-hotel-rebranding
  10. https://cainint.com/news-and-insights/cain-acquires-the-dominick-hotel-in-new-york-city/
  11. https://www.costar.com/article/1309082889/the-dominick-hotel-in-manhattans-soho-sells-for-175-million
  12. https://www.sapir.com/246-spring-street
  13. https://symphony.cdn.tambourine.com/the-dominick/media/the-dominick-fact-sheet-110624-6734c934e8171.pdf
  14. https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/the-dominick/9137
  15. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-dominick-hotel-debuts-in-new-york-city-at-the-height-of-luxury-300574261.html
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