FAR HILLS, N.J., Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In
early 2010 real estate developer Tom Maoli purchased
the now deserted Morristown
mansion, Alnwick Hall, better known as "The Abbey," with the
express hope of saving a last remnant of what was formerly known as
Madison Avenue's "millionaire's row."
For decades, the stretch of Madison Avenue between Morristown and Madison was also referred to as "the street of
100 millionaires," and the "finest four miles in the world."
Aside from nearby Glynallyn Castle, the Abbey stands on
Madison Avenue in Morris Township.
as a lone testimony to a more opulent time for the Rose City of
Morris County. But, until the 1929 depression, the
Abbey was just one of a stretch of homes that belonged to such
business tycoons as banker Otto H.
Kahn, business executive Hamilton McKoon Twombly,
Charles Mellon, Eugene Higgins, the Frelinghuysens, Claflins,
James, Allens, Wolffs and Kountzes. Alnwick Hall was
originally the residence of American Telephone and Telegraph
company executive, Edward Peter
Meany and his wife, Rosalie
Behr.
Today, the Abbey is nothing more than a shell of its former
glory, deserted now since its last reincarnation as an office
complex ultimately failed when the office market
crashed after the Lehman Brothers and stock market crash of
2008. Maoli says, "The Abbey is such a landmark no
matter where I go, whether it's a cocktail party in New York City , the Hamptons or in Palm
Beach. When I mention that I own the Abbey, faces light up
and their responses typically are how gorgeous the building is. The
thought of it languishing and decaying is truly tragic. And while
it is sitting empty and decaying it might as well go to good use
and allow a good cause to host their fundraiser there."
Tom Maoli is not a man to go on
quixotic missions. He's known as someone who looks for
business opportunities and seizes them with his vision in mind,
transforming losing enterprises into profitable ones.
Maoli has built a burgeoning
automobile dealership empire and a profitable real estate
enterprise, but he is also a well-respected philanthropist.
Maoli has a track record for both business and civic success.
And, maybe now lost causes as well? Such as purchasing
Alnwick Hall. Mr. Maoli wanted to
purchase The Abbey in hopes of turning it into something
commercially viable.
Maoli states, "it's sad, but eventually something has to
be done, or The Abbey will fall down from disrepair. In
addition, I can't keep carrying a vacant building and paying taxes
to the town at an alarming rate. The unfortunate reality is that the Abbey is at
the end of its rope."
Maoli is committed to saving The Abbey, and he believes
even though the future is grim for the building, it still can
muster one last special moment for a special purpose. That
event will be in May of 2017, when Maoli will team with the
Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) for the
18th Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens. They will
turn The Abbey over to a team of interior designers to transform
the decaying 21,000 square foot mansion back into the beautiful
swan it once was and showcase it to thousands of people throughout
the tri state area. All of the proceeds will go to the
Morristown Medical Center.
"This is a chance for some of the area's finest interior
designers to showcase not only their own wonderful talent, but also
to remind visitors to the fundraiser what a spectacular residence
the Abbey was," says Maoli.
The Abbey will open its doors to the public as the Mansion in
May for 2017. Its doors will be open to the public from
May 1 to May 31, 2017 and will be
available for private tours and private events. Advanced tickets
will be available online and at select local retail locations in
early 2017.
In addition to his car dealerships, Maoli is President and CEO
of Real Estate Opportunity Investments, LLC. REOI is a real
estate company that specializes in purchasing, holding, developing
and operating retail shopping centers, office buildings and
residential developments throughout the Northeast. He was
named to Governor Christie's Presidential Leadership team and
is also now a member of Donald Trump for President
fundraising and transition team. Maoli was also honored as
the Morris County Columbus Day parade's Man of the Year.
No stranger to good causes, Maoli is also a large supporter of the
Morris County Community Food Bank and the Morris County Interfaith
Food Pantry.
Contact: Larry M. Weiner, APR,
Fellow PRSA
lweiner@larrymweiner.com
201-674-8247
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SOURCE Tom Maoli