The TWA Flight Center was the late 20th-century equivalent of Ellis Island, a first point of reference for many immigrants entering the U.S. through New York. When it originally opened in 1962, the expressive concrete structure was seen as the future of airport terminals. That prediction ended up being partially true. As commercial aircrafts became larger, the terminal struggled to service the influx in new passengers, eventually closing its doors in 2001 (the same year TWA was bought by American Airlines). It then served as a retail space for a small time, but even that failed to last.

Although the original TWA Terminal did not survive as a great gateway of air transportation for JFK Airport, it would seem that New York City is not quite done with it yet. On May 15th, this iconic piece of modern American architecture will begin its third life as the lobby for a luxury hotel.
Each guest room offers a quiet respite from the roaring of jet engines and the constant flow of ground traffic. Between the weary traveler laying their head on the pillow and the noise that comes from being in the middle of one of the busiest airports in America stand seven panes of four-and-a-half-inch thick glass ? the second thickest curtain wall in the world, behind the one inside the U.S. Embassy in London.

Inside each room, the decor is a mix of midcentury modern and contemporary elements. There’s an upholstered red fabric Saarinen Womb Chair next to a Saarinen Pedestal tul...