The Waldorf Astoria, one of Gotham’s most celebrated landmarks, is about to go through the biggest change in its history. The classic hotel will be closing for three years while the majority of the property’s nearly 1,400 rooms are transformed into luxury apartments. Those hoping to stay in the Waldorf in the future shouldn’t feel too dismayed, however. According to the Huffington Post, 300 to 500 rooms of the hotel will remain available to travelers hoping to still experience one of New York’s seminal travel experiences. The hotel’s upcoming transformation shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. In 2015, the classic property was purchased by China’s Anbang Insurance Group for nearly $2 billion.

“We have not finalized any plans in terms of the scope, nature, and details of the renovation project or the exact timing and duration of the hotel’s closure. We are currently developing conceptual plans and will share additional details once those plans are finalized,” a U.S.-based spokesman for Anbang says.

The landmark hotel, once the tallest in the world, holds a special place in the heart of New Yorkers. It pioneered the concept of room service and was the birthplace of iconic brunch dishes like the Waldorf salad and eggs Benedict. The hotel also served as the home away from home for every U.S. president visiting New York since Herbert Hoover. Additionally, the legendary Marilyn Monroe spent a year living within its walls.

Image courtesy of Shuttershock.