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Since acquiring the historic Grand Summit Hotel last year, Landmark Hospitality embarked on a plan to revitalize and refresh the 156-year-old boutique hotel in Summit.

After completing the first phase of renovations, the Plainfield-based group is getting ready to relaunch the downtown property as The Albion Summit.

In addition to 100 guest rooms and a curated collection of amenities – including a critically acclaimed restaurant, coworking areas and state-of-the-art event spaces – The Albion Summit also houses a school dedicated to fostering professional growth within the hospitality industry.

Frank Cretella, principal and co-owner of Landmark Hospitality, described it as “more than a hotel.”

“It’s a celebration of history with a modern twist. We’ve meticulously restored the building’s original charm while introducing innovative features to create a space that caters to the needs of today’s travelers and local residents,” he said.

The scope of work included updates to the lobby and special events hall, as well the creation of a coworking space complete with self-serve coffee bar and two private conference rooms available for bookings.

On the menu

Culinary offerings will be anchored by Felina Restaurant, a Landmark-owned establishment that serves elevated Italian comfort food.

Other on-site amenities include an amphitheater-style movie theater with concession stand that offers entertainment options, a whiskey lounge with cigar and spirits locker, and a private dining room in the wine cellar.

Phase two additions call for:

• A longevity spa for relaxation and wellness
• A Japanese listening room suite and sushi restaurant
• Recording and podcast suites

Also, Landmark will transform 43 outdoor corridor hotel rooms into a 9,000-square-foot space with 30-foot vaulted ceilings, ideal for hosting events, meetings and community gatherings.

Community driven

Additionally, Albion Summit will provide programs, activities and experiences for a range of ages, from cocktail crafting and culinary courses to a state-of-the-art wellness program.

The property will also house Landmark’s third school school focused on workforce development in the industry. Run through the nonprofit Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance, the program aims to provide essential resources and career opportunities.

Landmark also started a work integration program that coordinates with schools for adults with autism to come to one of its restaurants and learn basic hospitality skills, such as polishing silverware, cutting vegetables and folding napkins. The initiative’s goal is to help participants refine their skills so they can get a job in hospitality.

A Grand history

Located in downtown Summit, the original Grand Summit Hotel initially served as an oasis for New York elite looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Over the years, it evolved into a destination for some of the region’s most prominent politicians and celebrities.

In 2019, the independently owned hotel celebrated the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation that operators said preserved “the best of the hotel’s history while bringing it into the 21st century in terms of technology and amenities.”

Founded in 2001 by husband-wife team Frank and Jeanne Cretella, Landmark Hospitality specializes in the adaptive restoration of landmarked or historical properties. The group’s portfolio of 16-plus properties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania includes Village Hall in South Orange, The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station and Liberty House in Jersey City.

According to Landmark, The Albion Summit will be the first in its newly established The Albion Hotels collection. No additional projects have been announced yet, but the company said future properties “promise to uphold Landmark Hospitality’s legacy of excellence, offering boutique accommodations, event venues, unique dining experiences and more.”