10 Most 2025: Abbot Manor – Plainfield (Union County)

Abbott Manor built c. 1893 is located in the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District and listed on the local, state, and national historic registers, has a long and complex history. Following residential use, the building was proposed as a nursing home in 1953—a use not permitted in the residential zone—its establishment was controversial and legally contested. It later served as post-hospital care for Muhlenberg Hospital patients. 

Over the years, multiple attempts to expand the facility met strong opposition from local residents, often resulting in court challenges. After Muhlenberg Hospital closed in 2008, the nursing home (Abbott Manor) was shut down in 2009. In 2012, a new owner acquired the property with plans to use it for veteran housing, but the proposal failed to meet local and federal requirements, and the facility was never reactivated. Since then, the building has remained vacant and has deteriorated significantly. 

In October 2024, the property was purchased yet again, but the future use remains unclear. The property's declining condition is a major concern for neighborhood residents, preservation advocates, and the Save the Queen City group.  

Saving Abbott Manor is important because it represents a significant chapter in the history of the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District and reflects the architectural and social evolution of the neighborhood. As a contributing structure, it holds value not only for its design but also for its layered history—as a residence, a nursing facility, and a community institution tied to Muhlenberg Hospital. Preserving Abbott Manor protects the integrity of the historic district, which has long fought to maintain its residential character against incompatible uses and overdevelopment. Its continued neglect risks both physical loss and the erosion of local identity. Revitalizing the property—rather than demolishing or drastically altering it—offers an opportunity to honor its past while reimagining its future in a way that respects community values and preservation goals.