Restoration

In 1996, Breaking Ground acquired The Prince George Hotel, and with the help of government agencies and corporate partners, transformed the building into permanent supportive housing for homeless and low-income single adults. In 2005, Breaking Ground completed the restoration of the 5,000 square-foot Prince George Ballroom and adjacent former Hunt Room. In partnership with non-profit groups Alpha Workshops, Parsons School of Design, Brooklyn High School of Preservation Arts and Youthbuild, the Neo-Renaissance ballroom was completed as a design-build project by Beyer BlinderBelle Architects. A volunteer committee working with Breaking Ground raised the $1.5 million restoration budget from private individuals, foundations and government agencies focused on job training and preservation. In 2015, it underwent another major $250,000 renovation, modernizing the historic space while maintaining its original Neo-Renaissance features.

Breaking Ground brought in world-class designer Jamie Drake and his Drake Design Associates, Marks & Tavano Workroom and Bone Simple Design for the renovation, which included installing eco-friendly lighting throughout the space and updating the professional kitchen. The design teams also undertook an extensive refurbishment of the ornate ballroom, including its sconces, ceiling and column moldings and painting, resurfacing the floor and re-upholstering the walls. The renovations mark a new renaissance for the Prince George Ballroom, which dates back to 1904 when it opened as one of New York City's grand hotels.

The Beginning

Built in 1904, The Prince George Hotel was a key fixture in the vibrant Madison Square neighborhood. The hotel was designed by architect Howard Greenley in the Beaux Arts style, and had many classical and Neo-Renaissance flourishes. Its ground floor included grand common areas including the Ladies’ Tearoom, the English Tap Room, the Hunt Room, and a spacious lounge that would later become The Prince George Ballroom.

Present Day

While the renovations preserve the ballroom's unique, landmark look, the space is dramatically transformed every week to bring clients' visions to life for corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, and many other occasions. In addition to having a beautiful event, clients are supporting a great cause: proceeds from the ballroom events support the non-profit Breaking Ground's housing development and outreach programs for homeless and other vulnerable New Yorkers.