Former Marriott Hotel Transformed into Student Housing in NYC

Students in the Big Apple seeking housing are now open to apply for a coveted spot in FOUND Study Turtle Bay, thanks to a recent renovation of the historic 34-story building at 525 Lexington Avenue. Formerly the Marriott Hotel East, the newly renovated property offers students, interns and academic program participants 1,355 beds of housing and luxury amenities across more than 400,000 square feet of space.

FOUND Study is the country’s fastest growing student and intern housing brand, and Turtle Bay represents its fifth building in New York City. Built in 1923, 525 Lexington is a New York City landmark, designed by Empire State Building architect Arthur Loomis Harmon.

After the Marriott Hotel closed its doors in 2020, the property was purchased by FOUND Study’s parent company, Hawkins Way, earlier this year. Many of the hotel’s century-old Romanesque Revival details were preserved during the renovation, completed in partnership with BDB Construction Enterprise.

“The building blends world renowned architecture and the latest in residential design for a truly unique living experience,” according to a press release. The facility features completely remodeled single, double, triple and quad rooms, and residents will enjoy amenities designed to foster community and academic success. FOUND Study Turtle Bay offers 24/7 security and is home to 30,000 square feet of communal amenity space, including a fitness center, laundry room, game room, performing arts studio, study room, community kitchen and lounges.

“At FOUND, we’re dedicated to creating high quality, trusted housing solutions for students, interns and our partners. As a former large-scale hotel, the existing property provided us with the opportunity to create new housing options for hundreds of students, with amazing amenities and a prime location,” said Andrea Colagrande, managing director at Hawkins Way/FOUND.

FOUND Study Turtle Bay is located in the heart of Midtown East, providing residents with easy access to schools such as CUNY Baruch, LIM College, the New York Institute of Technology and Marymount Manhattan College. The central location makes it an ideal home for students and interns looking to immerse themselves in New York City culture and make the most of their experience living in New York City.