Its style is supposed to replicate the 1940s New York City skyline; the hotel contains many towers designed to look like New York City landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The hotel's appearance was meant to evoke memories of bygone days when New York was known for its luxury hotels. The New York Hotel opened in 1952. It was designed by Welton Becket, one of the most influential American architects at that time. The building is made up of seven towers in the shape of an octagon with a central courtyard. Each of the seven towers is named after a landmark of New York City: Rockefeller Center, Eiffel Tower, World Trade Center, St. Paul's Chapel, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and One World Trade Center. In 2013, it was reported that the New York Hotel would be converted into a luxury apartment complex called "The Spire". The project has since been canceled due to financial difficulties.