Andre Balazs takes over Cooper Square Hotel, applies for liquor license transfer

Andre Balazs and the Cooper Square HotelHotelier Andre Balazs has officially taken over the Cooper Square Hotel, EV Grieve reported, citing community board documents that show the nightlife magnate is applying for a liquor license transfer.

Balazs, who owns the Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District, was rumored to be taking over the hotel last month — just eight months after it changed hands for $70.9 million. But buyers, Westport Capital Partners, put the 21-story East Village hotel, off of Cooper Square between East 5th and 6th streets, back on the market with Eastdil Secured brokers Douglas Harmon and Adam Spies in May.

Balazs has a reputation for putting trendy nightclubs in his hotel, and EV Grieve speculated a venue of that sort is coming to this location.

The Carlos Zapata-designed hotel debuted in late 2008 after years of delays, and rooms currently go for about $400 per night. [EV Grieve]