RH @ Alnwick Hall

A match made in historic preservation heaven. 

Some thought it couldn’t be done. The long-vacant Alnwick Hall was a castle in dire need of a fairy tale ending. Enter Restoration Hardware—now known as RH, the trailblazing brand that transformed furniture shopping into a luxury hospitality experience. Based in California, RH required local expertise to guide local approvals, liquor licensure, and neighborhood engagement. 

Topology, reporting directly to RH’s President/Chief Real Estate + Development Officer, guided the talented in-house team through concept development, project design, financial analysis, public relations, team procurement, and overall entitlement strategy. Despite numerous challenges, Topology and RH found success in late 2020. Our expertise helped RH through New Jersey’s redevelopment process, securing rezoning, a long-term tax abatement, liquor license, and a straightforward Redevelopment Agreement. Construction is planned to kick-off in 2021, ensuring this landmark will endure for centuries to come. 

Learn more about The Abbey’s transformation at http://theabbeymorristown.com.

Project Partners

RH, Developer and Client 

Frank Vitolo, Redeveloper’s Counsel 

Stonefield Engineering, Civil Engineer 

Melillo + Bauer, Landscape Architect 

Sawyer Berson, Architect + Landscape Architect 

Public Benefits

• Economic development

• Historic preservation

Location

355 Madison Avenue, Morris Township, NJ

Project Plan

Redevelopment Project

Role

Project Manager and Consulting Planner

Budget

$28 million

Project Category

• Arts + Culture

• Redevelopment