In the 1930s, The Stoneleigh evolved into a bold expression of style and cultural energy. Under owner Harry E. Stewart, a sweeping redesign introduced theatrical interiors by Dorothy Draper, whose signature use of color, pattern, and scale transformed the ground floor into a striking social setting. Soon after, an expansive Art Deco penthouse crowned the building—featuring a dramatic salon with soaring ceilings and imported architectural details. From radio broadcasts to high-profile gatherings, The Stoneleigh became more than a hotel; it became a destination where design, innovation, and society converged.