A vacant lot along an emerging corridor in Atlantic City is slated to be transformed into a boutique lodging facility this year, as an endeavor called The Top Hat will begin construction when the weather warms.
The new hotel, situated at 215 South Tennessee Avenue, is fully approved and slated to break ground during the first quarter of 2025. The project comes courtesy Mark Callazzo and Lakehurst-based RMS Capital, who also owns several Atlantic City businesses including the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Cuzzie’s Pizzeria, Bar 32, and others.
Aiming to open next year, The Top Hat will be inspired by Atlantic City’s iconic board game legacy. Designed by Long Branch-based Parallel Architectural Group, the property will have 1,400 square feet of ground-floor commercial frontage and boutique hotel-style short-term rental spaces on the upper level.
The Top Hat motif hopes to not only pay homage to the board game but establish a new cultural landmark in Atlantic City. The facility will boast six bedrooms accommodating up to 12 guests plus a rooftop deck offering sweeping Atlantic City views.
“The Top Hat at The Orange Loop is a game changer for Atlantic City,” said Mark Callazzo, Managing Partner of RMS Capital in release announcing the construction. “We’re not just building a structure – we’re creating a space that will serve as a landmark for residents and visitors alike.
Callazzo noted that the so-called “Orange Loop” neighborhood where The Top Hat is set to rise was once considered a dead zone with little activity. Challenges remain despite new businesses opening in the area; The Top Hat’s direct neighbor, the former Endicott Hotel, sits vacant next door.
RMS Capital is nonetheless bullish on The Top Hat development and the area of Atlantic City. “This project represents the next step in its evolution,” Callazzo added. “It’s about revitalizing the area, supporting local businesses, and offering unique experiences that drive tourism and economic growth.”
