NOLITA — After protests from locals and construction delays, NoLita's first boutique hotel is due to open Aug. 1.
The Nolitan, on the corner of Kenmare and Elizabeth streets, had been hit with a stop work order in January 2009 when residents complained the building had breached the neighborhood’s height restrictions, according to the Downtown Express.
Residents had argued that the building, which is technically eight stories with a mezzanine level, was actually nine stories. The area’s zoning, known as the Special Little Italy District, only allowed for eight floors, or 85 feet.
The hotel's original plan was to have guest rooms on the mezzanine level, according to company spokeswoman Vicki Elkin. Whether the hotel will need to remove those rooms to comply with zoning laws will be determined by the Department of City Planning in the coming weeks.
Damage to neighboring buildings was also reported during the construction process, according to Downtown Express. The hotel has since pushed back its opening date numerous times, Curbed reported.
The 55-room hotel, with a design described as “luxury, but low-key,” will also feature a 2,400-square-foot roof deck and a restaurant to be called "Ellabess," in partnership with the owners of other New York City restaurants dell’anima, L’Artusi and Anfora.
The hotel's website also says it's pet-friendly, welcoming everything from Chihuahuas to Mastiffs.
