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The redesign of M Social New York Downtown was a collaborative effort led by MHR, together with interior designer Mazzarino & Co. and architect Nehmer (HVS Design).
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M Social New York Downtown (formerly Millennium Downtown New York) has won the Hotel Lobby/Public Space category at the 11th NYCxDESIGN Awards 2026 in Las Vegas, recognising the hotel’s distinctive interiors and bold interpretation of the M Social brand in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
Hosted annually by Interior Design magazine, the NYCxDESIGN Awards is a major US-based design competition celebrating outstanding projects and talents across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
The redesigned acclaimed public space design at M Social New York Downtown was a collaborative effort led by the MHR Capital Projects and Sustainability team (SVP Mr Rajiv Puri and VP Mr Jay Arn Lim), together with interior designer Mazzarino & Co. and architect Nehmer (HVS Design).
Undulating timber ribbons sweep across the lobby ceiling like desert dunes, while cognac leather, sage velvet and Calacatta marble evoke contemporary Arabian luxury.
Located on the third floor, the front desk offers sweeping views of New York City, with materials and textures inspired by Wall Street’s cobblestones, metal and glass.
Opened in October 2025 next to One World Trade Center and just steps from the iconic Oculus transit hub, the 569-room hotel was designed to capture the vibrancy and energy of downtown New York through modern spaces that also feel connected to the city.
“The neighbourhood is full of history, but it has also been completely rebuilt since 2001. This building was right here when the 9/11 attacks happened. It stood in the front row. The hotel remained closed for nearly two years after the area recovered, and even today, a US flag that survived that fateful day, still hangs proudly on our ground floor. It’s a reminder of what this neighbourhood endured and how it has risen since,” according to Managing Director and General Manager Mr Alex Spektor in an interview with the Business Traveller Magazine.
Beyond the public spaces, the design experience continues at Beast & Butterflies, where the lively spirit of Spanish dining has made it a vibrant social destination in New York City’s financial district.
Nearly every room offers views of the Hudson River, One World Trade Center, or the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, while design details include a round stone table that doubles as a dining and workspace..
With modern lines and warm textures like rich reds, dark woods and metallic accents, the public spaces create an atmosphere that is stylish and welcoming. A standout feature is the hotel’s check-in lounge on the third floor with sweeping views of the Oculus, offering a sense of arrival and exclusivity.
Sustainability was integrated into the rebuild through features such as LED lighting, eco-friendly materials and refillable aluminium water bottles placed on every floor for eco-conscious guests.
