By Josh Williams
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
FINANCIAL DISTRICT — The neighborhood’s incoming W Hotel has been topped off and is aiming for an early summer opening as officials work out details of the high-rise’s restaurant and begin to apply for needed permits.
Representatives for the new, 58-story W New York-Downtown appeared before Community Board 1’s Financial District Committee on Wednesday to discuss issues related to ongoing construction of the building at 123 Washington St.
"We have capped off the building and are now looking at hiring staff and are beginning the process for city permit applications," Sofia Vandaele, the hotel’s general manager, told the committee.
The hotel will feature 217 guest rooms as well as 223 condo residences that will come fully furnished.
The restaurant Bistro Laurent Tourondel, or B.L.T., will open on the hotel’s first two floors and hopes to offer an upscale dining experience to keep guests in the neighborhood, officials explained.
"We are taking a real neighborhood approach,” said Steve Salm, B.L.T.’s general manager. “We want to build a relationship with the community."
The hotel’s Web site puts the property’s opening date at May 4.
