Robert Treat Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert Treat Center |
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| General information | |
| Type | Office/Hotel |
| Location | 50 Park Place Newark, New Jersey |
| Coordinates | 40°44′20″N 74°10′07″W / 40.7390°N 74.1685°W |
| Completed | 1916 & 1964 |
| Owner | Berger Organization |
| Height | |
| Roof | 50.29 m (165.0 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 14 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Guilbert and Betelle |
The Robert Treat Center is a large building complex in Newark, New Jersey. It has both offices and a hotel. The center is named after Robert Treat, who founded the city of Newark way back in 1666.
One part of the complex first opened in 1916 as the Robert Treat Hotel. Later, this old hotel building became an office building. A new hotel was built right next to it. The buildings are located near Military Park. They are also close to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the New Jersey Historical Society.
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The Original Robert Treat Hotel
The Robert Treat Hotel was a very fancy place when it first opened in 1916. It was designed by architects Guilbert and Betelle. They used a style called Renaissance Revival. This means it looked like buildings from the European Renaissance period.
Special Guests and Design
One of the first important guests was President Woodrow Wilson. He and his wife stayed at the hotel. They were in Newark for a special dinner. This dinner was part of the city's 250th anniversary celebration. The room they stayed in on the fifth floor later became known as the "President's Suite."
The outside of the hotel had a base made of granite and cast stone. The upper parts were covered in brick with terra cotta decorations. The hotel was built to be very modern for its time. It had all the newest features and comforts. It was the first hotel of its kind in Newark.
Inside the Grand Lobby
The most impressive part of the original hotel was its lobby. It had huge columns and beautiful lighting. The floors were made of white marble and tiles. There were also fancy rugs. Guests could relax in many lounge areas. Large palm trees and potted plants added to the grand look. There were even desks and tables on a balcony for afternoon tea. A painting of Robert Treat hung proudly over the fireplace.
In 1933, a businessman named Frank A. Dudley helped run the hotel. He was from Niagara Falls, New York. His company, United Hotels Company, managed the building.
From Hotel to Office Complex
In 1964, the original Robert Treat Hotel building changed. It was turned into office spaces. At the same time, a brand new Robert Treat Hotel was built right next door. This new hotel became part of the Best Western chain.
In 1982, the Robert Treat Center was considered for a special list. This list includes buildings that are important to history. However, it was not added to the State and National Register of Historic Places. This was because the inside of the building had been changed too much.
The Berger Organization bought the building in 1987. This company has also worked on other famous buildings in Newark. These include the Firemen's Insurance Company Home Office Building and the Military Park Building.
