Landmark Hospitality and Developers, a sprawling development firm based out of Plainfield, New Jersey, recently announced its plans to redevelop the historic Elstowe Manor in Pennsylvania’s Elkins Park, culminating in a 37-room boutique hotel, private event space, and an on-site distillery dubbed Morgan Stillhouse.
According to Landmark’s president, Jeanne Cretella, there are currently no plans to open the distillery to the general public, nor to offer an on-site restaurant. However, Morgan Stillhouse – which is owned and operated by Landmark – will be the exclusive spirit purveyor for private events hosted at the Manor, with on-site catering coming from the company’s Crave Events Group division.
“We’re excited about putting in a distillery that will be able to supply everything that we do on property, as well as some of our other properties that we have around the state,” Cretella tells What Now Philadelphia. “Whether or not there will be certain times where there will be a tasting room open, and what the parameters of that will be – whether it’s open every day or limited – that has not yet been established.”
Cretella adds, “We’re opening this coming spring for events only. Any other type of food and beverage program would be after this is up and running.”
Since its founding in 2001 by Jeanne Cretella and husband, Frank, Landmark Hospitality has grown a prolific portfolio that encompasses upwards of 10 restaurants including Liberty House, Ferry + Main, and the forthcoming Anzu, as well as some 15 bars and lounges such as Star Room, Have Mercy, Stork Club Lounge, and Pump House Biergarten.
In a 2021 interview with Jason Hartman of Authority Magazine, Frank Cretella said of his and Jeanne’s illustrious career, “We get most excited when our visions get approved, and we can begin to bring them to life because every one of our projects is so personal. All of them have a story, from the historical context of the locations we choose to purchasing the property, to all of the challenges that come throughout the process. We embrace every moment and how it contributes to the story of our business legacy.”
