Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces' The Pierre, New York's landmark hotel on Central Park at Fifth Avenue, entered its second phase of renovation.

All 200 guest accommodations, including the 11 Grand Suites with apartment-like quarters, 41 suites and all guestrooms, will be upgraded and renovated, as well as all corridors, public areas, the Café Pierre and the bar. James Park Associates will oversee the estimated $100-million renovation.

The first phase, which included the Grand Ballroom, the Cotillion Room and foyer, was completed last year by Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates. All banquet spaces on the second floor remain open through the second phase, but the hotel will not take guest reservations this year while the guestrooms and restaurant are closed. The Pierre is expected to fully open early next year.

“As stewards of this hospitality icon, our goal is to retain the classic ambiance of The Pierre, while adding a fresh look of 21st-century elegance and technology that will appropriately transform the property,” says General Manager Heiko Kuenstle.