News Release - July 1976

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: ROBERT K. BERRY 464-5097

GRAND OPENING OF MURRAY HILL SQUARE

MARKS BEGINNING OF NEW KIND OF SHOPPING

A giant step back in time was taken here Saturday as a unique new shopping village dedicated to the positive values of yesteryear celebrated its grand opening.

Amidst the sounds of an 1800's calliope, and under the watchful "eye" of the Malcolm Forbes 200 foot balloon tethered 75 feet over the festivities, thousands of visitors were treated to slide shows, tours and talks about the historical significance of the buildings in the village while others discovered the variety of shopping values in each of the 16 shops already operating.

A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening Historic Murray Hill Square, as the village is called, was attended by several state and local officials including Congressman Matthew Rinaldo, New Providence Mayor Edward Bien, and Howard Weisman, Creator of the New Jersey Historical Society.

The brain child of owner Nat Conti, president of Conti Construction Company and free lance entrepreneur, Historic Murray Hill Square consists of 17 Colonial and post-Colonial buildings situated on approximately 10 acres complete with brick walks, courtyards, Old English streetlights and beautiful landscaping.

At the ribbon cutting ceremonies Conti announced he would begin Phase II of the Square within a few months thus expanding the village to approximately 35 buildings. "It is important to note,” Conti emphasized, "that we will maintain our current standards of excellence, adherence to historical and architectural detail, and atmosphere of quality and value throughout all phases of our successful growth.”