IGC Hospitality unveils the return of Winnie’s Jazz Club, an intimate lobby lounge inside the Refinery Hotel in New York’s Garment District.
Named after Winifred T. McDonald’s iconic 1920s café, the club’s new iteration embraces its Art Deco roots while introducing a bold New York edge.
A cinematic transformation
Redesigned by Garrett Singer Architecture + Design (GSAD), the space centers on a dedicated performance stage and enhanced acoustics, surrounded by expanded banquettes and lounge seating. Sightlines have been carefully optimized so every seat feels connected to the show.
Plush velvets in deep amber and teal hues envelop the room, paired with richly patterned wallpaper. Subtle nods to the building’s former life as a hat factory—like sepia-toned peacock wallpaper that references the feathers used in the era’s extravagant hats—are woven throughout the environment as well.
Custom seating and a bold 1970s-inspired carpet provide a playful, modern contrast, creating movement underfoot that mimics the visual rhythm of jazz itself.
“The vibe is quintessential NYC,” says Singer. “It lives at the intersection of flapper-era glamour, Prohibition nightlife, and bold modern graphic energy, with a touch of 1970s lounge culture layered in. That mix creates something unique and enticing, and really makes sense in this hotel.”
Seductive spaces at Winnie’s
To balance the high energy of a live performance with the option for intimate conversation, the layout features furniture groupings that are intentionally close and lounge-like. Sound-absorbing drapery and carpeting ensure that the live music feels warm rather than overwhelming, and also controls noise within the broader hotel lobby environment.
The warm, low-lit ambiance creates a mysterious speakeasy glow. “The experience is sensory and layered,” Singer notes. “These elements create a space that feels alive any time of day.”
“There is no doubt that everyone who passes by will want to peek behind the velvet curtain, and then be completely blown away by what they find hidden inside,” adds Singer. “Winnie’s should feel like stepping into a secret New York dream—part speakeasy, part modern lounge. A glamorous hidden gem you cannot believe you came across in this unassuming hotel lobby.”
