Monopoly is one of the most popular and iconic board games in the world, published in over 40 languages and sold in over 100 countries, where players move their pieces over a trail of properties, all named after the roads of New Jersey’s very own Atlantic City.
Baltic Avenue, Oriental Avenue, Park Place and the coveted Boardwalk spot in the board game exist in real life in this Jersey Shore city, where variations of the game were popular when the city was a favorite destination of creator of the game’s current version, Charles Darrow.
Now, Atlantic City will solidify its relation with the game with a landmark Monopoly-inspired boutique hotel.
Scheduled to break ground early in 2025 by developer RMS Capital, The Top Hat is set to become a must-see destination for visitors and locals, standing along Tennessee Avenue, right within the so-called Orange Loop, a three-block commercial zone by the beach filled with restaurants and bars.
“The Top Hat at The Orange Loop is a game changer for Atlantic City. We’re not just building a structure — we’re creating a space that will serve as a landmark for residents and visitors alike,” said Mark Callazzo, managing partner of RMS Capital and developer of the project.
The building will include 1,400 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a rooftop deck with views of the coastal city, and accommodations for up to 12 guests through its six bedrooms, each decorated with a unique Monopoly theme.
Spotting the hotel will be easy, as it will feature a large Monopoly hat token on its roof and a recreation of the iconic car token protruding from the hotel’s façade.
The building was designed by Parallel Architectural Group, a New Jersey-based firm. An opening day hasn’t been announced yet.
How ‘The Orange Loop’ got its name
When Monopoly was created early in the early 1930s as a version of an older game — “The Landlord’s Game” — it used Atlantic City streets as the namesake for its properties.
Then, in 2012, Atlantic City coined the term “The Orange Loop” to refer to and promote a specific area in the city where Tennessee Avenue, St. James Place and New York Avenue are located — all orange-colored properties in the board game.
The Orange Loop is known for its nightlife, restaurants and proximity to the beach and its boardwalk.
RMS Capital expects the ground-level commercial space to provide more opportunities for local businesses, fostering greater economic activity there.
“The Orange Loop has come a long way from its ‘Dead Zone’ days, and this project represents the next step in its evolution. It’s about revitalizing the area, supporting local businesses, and offering unique experiences that drive tourism and economic growth,” Callazzo said.
May the best player win.
By Juan Carlos Castillo from Asbury Park Press