Exclusive Club Coming To Historic Union County Building

PLAINFIELD, NJ — An underground bar, private gathering spaces and storage for exotic and vintage cars could soon become part of a major redevelopment project in Plainfield as the former Courier News headquarters is transformed into a new private membership club.

Hospitality company By Landmark plans to redevelop the property at 226 Park Ave. into the headquarters for The Stork Club, a private club that will also include the company’s Italian-inspired restaurant, Felina.

The project is expected to bring a new dining and social destination to the longtime downtown property, which previously served as the home of the Courier News.

Construction is expected to begin in September and is expected to take about 12 to 16 months to complete, according to By Landmark officials.

Felina is expected to open first and will feature an Italian-inspired menu with seating for about 150 guests. The restaurant will also serve as one of the dining experiences available to Stork Club members.

The Stork Club itself will include about 40,000 square feet of private club space with planned features including cigar lounges, ballroom space and an underground bar.

The redevelopment plans also include a separate 27,000-square-foot facility for exotic and vintage vehicle storage. The space is expected to include about 40 storage areas, with By Landmark officials saying 10 have already been reserved.

The Stork Club is part of By Landmark’s growing hospitality portfolio, which includes restaurants, event spaces and boutique hotels throughout the region. The company currently has 386 members who have access to multiple club locations, including venues in Jersey City, Summit and New Hope, Pennsylvania.

According to the company, The Stork Club offers a private membership experience centered around dining, social events and hospitality. Membership includes a $1,500 initiation fee and a $400 quarterly minimum spend, with members receiving benefits such as discounts on restaurant bills and hotel stays.

The club hosts member events including car outings, movie nights, wine dinners and cigar experiences, according to the company.

By Landmark owns and operates several other hospitality properties in New Jersey, including the Liberty House in Jersey City, the Stone House in Warren and the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station.

The Stork Club in Plainfield is currently accepting new members as the redevelopment project moves forward.