Bellevue Hotel Retail Lobby Renovation; Nicole Miller To Move, and is having a store closing sale right now!!

It’s been quite a loud secret these past few weeks as I’ve received so many tips and questions from folks wondering what is happening at the iconic Bellevue Hotel with the men in suits running around with their clip boards.

The Bellevue originally opened in 1904, as The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, and currently features a 172 room luxury hotel, Class A office space, a parking garage, sports club/fitness facility, retail stores including Nicole Miller, Williams-Sonoma, Teuscher ‘s Chocolates, The Walking Store and a ballroom/events center which recently unveiled it’s renovation grand ballroom this past year . The guest rooms underwent a renovation in recent years. And then the Rubin organization sold a large percentage of their company.

To Nightingale Properties who announced on their FB page in March: We are thrilled to announce that Nightingale Properties has partnered with the Rubin family in the ownership of The Bellevue…This acquisition is Nightingale’s fifth asset in the Philadelphia market, contributing to a collective total of nearly five million square feet. ~ And as I can see they’re solidly invested in Philly. (They also own 1835 Market Street, where a Planet Fitness is opening soon in the space once occupied by Weston Fitness, and 1635 Market St.) (Natalie Kostelni at Phila Biz Journal wrote a nice article on the Nightingale purchase of the Bellevue.)

Sources tell me that the new owners are eager to return the hotel to it’s majestic state with a grand lobby. This is a photo of the office tower lobby, and 19th floor restaurants. The hotel lobby is towards the left out of sight.

Next to the hotel lobby is the Nicole Miller store. Over the past few days Mary Dougherty , who owns and operates the Nicole Miller Philadelphia store at the Bellevue has notified her clients that this location, which she opened 22 years ago, is closing on July 31. Mary and her team are currently looking for another location in Center City, and will continue to operate her original store located in Manayunk. Plus she still serves a sizable still be able to service clients in their homes 215-930-0307. In the meantime Mary might also do Pop-up stores downtown, similar to another iconic former Center City shop Knit Wit, which was pushed out of it’s space for a fast food salad spot.

Coincidentally Nicole Miller is running their mid summer sale at both locations, and much of the clothing from spring and summer are between 50% and 75% off. You can also check out the Nicole Miller fall line which is in stores now.

As for the other stores at the Bellevue mum seems to be the word right now, but I did notice the food court has been closed lately, it only has about 5 spots left. Maybe Eataly would be perfect for this spot. BTW The Palm is running their lobster special through July 31. You just might catch Jason Segel dining besides you as he’s been spotted there recently. As for Mary and her team in Manyaunk, she says “Stay tuned for exciting upcoming new series of monthly gatherings focusing on fashion trends, health and wellness, and more for our amazing customers. Visit our website marykdougherty.com“