Like: Welcoming and unpretentious.

Alex Calderwood has a history of turning nothing into something. He looks at unloved and abandoned spaces with an optimistic eye, seeing potential to infuse them with new life, art, and music. Throughout his career he’s shown an interest in creating cultural hubs from organizing parties in Seattle, to Rudy’s Barbershops, to Neverstop’s experiential marketing events. After many successful ventures, he’s become one of the most innovative hoteliers in the country by launching the Ace Hotels.

Now he’s bringing that instinct to one of Manhattan’s forgotten neighborhoods. South of Herald Square, amongst the random shops and sidewalk hustlers, sits the Hotel Breslin. Built in 1904, it was once a stomping ground for New York’s creatives. It spent many years as a forgotten beauty until Calderwood spotted its potential. Today he’s laying down roots in the city and giving the hotel new vitality.

The Ace New York is more than a hotel. It’s a space that houses collaborations with artists, architects, musicians, and local businesses, creating a place that feels like home, but better. Its aesthetic is raw but refined, designed with the urban traveler in mind. Details like original artwork, a selection of vinyl, and Smeg refrigerators stocked with goodies make each room personal. There is a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere here, traits that are a reflection of Calderwood himself. We had a friendly chat with him to find out how it all began.

Cool interview at The Scout
Photo: Jordan Provost