“The Palace is an impressive looking development that will help play a big role in Somerset’s economy,” Kirschner said.  “For the first time, central New Jersey will have a world-class facility that can accommodate large crowds, allowing Somerset County to keep its big events local and attract other big events from outside the county as well.”

The Palace at Somerset Park can host business or family groups of up to 860 guests.  Situated on 30 landscaped and secluded acres, this Palladian-style mansion provides 72,000 square feet of conference and event space. The $26-million facility is appointed with crystal chandeliers, rich fabrics and fine art that accentuate  magnificent ceilings, grand staircases, and balconies.  Ornate fireplaces were imported from Europe.   

When guests arrive, they are welcomed into a Grand Foyer with two distinct ballrooms, each with ornately carved 24-foot high ceilings and sweeping staircases.  The second floor of The Palace offers a 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art conference center consisting of numerous rooms, all with ergonomic furnishings by Herman Miller (including the award-winning PostureFit aero conference chairs).  The center boasts non-glare CIT training tables, high speed T3 Internet access, video conferencing capabilities, and a fully-equipped and staffed business center.

The facility employs 50 full-time and 75 part-time employees.

Cerminara Architect of Hillsborough designed the facility and J.G. Petrucci, Inc. was the builder.  The project was nominated by Jeffrey Horn, president and CEO of the Somerset County Business Partnership.

The New Good Neighbor Awards Luncheon annually brings together a dynamic group of builders, architects, engineers and others in the development community to honor those responsible for the State’s most impressive new commercial construction and renovation projects. An independent panel of 23 judges selected the 12 winners based on economic impact, architectural merit and community involvement.   In all, 29 applications representing more than $600 million in construction costs and 7,000 jobs were submitted. 

With more than 23,500 members, NJBIA is the nation’s largest state-level employers association.  New Jersey Business magazine is NJBIA’s flagship publication.