The iconic BT Tower in London is set to undergo a transformation into a luxury hotel, thanks to MCR, a U.S.-based hotel ownership group. The purchase agreement for the 620-foot tower in London’s Fitzrovia neighborhood was announced by BT Group, the building’s seller, with the deal valued at 275 million British pounds. MCR plans to spend several years refurbishing the tower into a hotel and public space, with CEO Tyler Morse expressing excitement about becoming the custodian of this London landmark.
The BT Tower, originally known as the Post Office Tower, has been a prominent feature of the London skyline since its completion in 1964. It was initially built to house the telecommunications equipment of the General Post Office, which later became British Telecom (BT). Over the years, the tower has become a symbol of modernity and technological innovation, with its distinctive cylindrical shape and revolving restaurant at the top.
With the telecommunications equipment gradually being moved to other locations, MCR will have the opportunity to redevelop the tower into a hotel that respects its rich history while offering a new experience for visitors. While specific details about the hotel, such as the number of rooms and potential amenities, have not been disclosed, Morse has promised that the renovation will be carried out with care and attention to detail.
MCR is known for its expertise in refurbishing historic buildings and transforming them into modern, high-end hotels. One of its most notable projects is the TWA Hotel at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is housed in the iconic TWA Flight Center designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The company’s portfolio also includes the High Line Hotel in New York City and the ongoing redevelopment of the Gramercy Park Hotel.
The similarities between the TWA Hotel and the BT Tower are not lost on Morse, who sees both buildings as groundbreaking pieces of architecture that deserve to be preserved and repurposed for future generations. While MCR has received some criticism for its pricing policies, such as charging for access to amenities like the TWA Hotel’s rooftop pool, it remains to be seen how these practices will be applied to the BT Tower.
The decision to transform the BT Tower into a hotel has sparked excitement among architecture enthusiasts and travelers alike. While the tower may have received criticism in the past, MCR’s plans to renovate and glam it up as a luxury hotel are sure to bring a new level of appreciation for this iconic London landmark. As the refurbishment process unfolds over the coming years, Londoners and visitors alike can look forward to a unique and unforgettable experience at the BT Tower hotel.