Plaza Hotel in NYC set to close for at least 4 years to restore historic facade

NEW YORK -- The famous Plaza Hotel in Midtown Manhattan is set to close for several years to repair and restore its historic facade.

Hotel's announcement was first reported by the New York Times.

The Fifth Avenue hotel, which has stood for more than 119 years, will close for at least four years beginning next January to restore the 18-story building's landmark facade, according to Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the operator of the Plaza.

The complexity of the facade work will require detailed planning and coordination, and compliance with historic preservation requirements, the hotel says.

Other considerations related to the execution of the restoration remains under review as the process gets underway.

The Plaza Hotel, which opened its doors in 1907, has maintained a unique place in New York City history. It's recognized for its architectural character and craftmanship.

It has also been one of the most frequently filmed and referenced buildings in pop culture, with one of its most famous appearances being in the 1992 hit movie, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," in which Kevin McAllister, played by Macaulay Culkin, checks into the hotel with his father's credit card.