In the 30's, 40's and 50's, the Park Central Hotel was a big "hangout" for New York City mafioso, owned by Arnold Rothstein who was a big name in booze smuggling during Prohibition. Mafia "capitano" Albert Anastasia was assassinated in the barbershop at the Park Central Hotel in 1957. Arnold Rothstein himself lost his life in 1928 after blowing off a $300,000 gambling debt.
Also seen here at VG:
http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/mob-hit-location/