Key Points
- RH Estates, a new luxury home furnishings showroom from RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), is scheduled to open this spring at 240 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut.
- The prominent site, a Beaux Arts limestone building previously occupied by Ralph Lauren until 2017, has remained vacant for over two years following the closure of SaksWorks and its ground-floor restaurant Ruby & Bella’s in September 2023.​
- This will mark RH’s third venue on Greenwich Avenue, joining the RH Gallery at the Historic Post Office (310 Greenwich Avenue) and RH Outdoor at 264 Greenwich Avenue.
- The building at 240 Greenwich Avenue offers approximately 3,333 SF on the first floor and 2,800 SF on the lower level, currently listed for lease with negotiable terms.​
- Local real estate trends highlight RH’s shift towards classic, traditional, and transitional furnishings in this location after years of modern aesthetics, as noted by real estate advisor Serge Kozhukhar.​
- The site is described as a highly visible anchor property surrounded by luxury retailers, with strong affluent demographics.​
- Greenwich Time reported the development, linking it to comments from Andrea Blume, president of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.​
- Commercial realtor Diane Roth of Allied Property Group previously called the building “quite stunning” after significant investments by its owners.​
- Past proposals for the site included a restaurant, lounge, and transportation centre in 2021, but those did not materialise.​
Greenwich (South London News) February 20, 2026 – A prominent site on Greenwich Avenue, vacant for over two years, now has RH Estates as its new tenant, with an opening planned for this spring. RH, the luxury home furnishings retailer formerly known as Restoration Hardware, will transform the former Ralph Lauren building at 240 Greenwich Avenue into its latest showroom. This development bolsters the avenue’s retail landscape amid ongoing leasing activity.
- Key Points
- What is RH Estates and Why Greenwich Avenue?
- When Will RH Estates Open and What Are the Timelines?
- What is the History of the Former Ralph Lauren Building?
- Who Are the Key Players Involved?
- What Does the Building Offer for RH Estates?
- How Does This Fit RH’s Broader Presence in Greenwich?
- What Impact Will RH Estates Have on Greenwich Avenue?
- Why Was the Site Vacant for So Long?
- What Are the Local Reactions?
- What Next for Greenwich Avenue Retail?
What is RH Estates and Why Greenwich Avenue?
RH Estates represents a curated collection focusing on classic, traditional, and transitional style furnishings, diverging from RH’s recent modern direction. As reported by Serge Kozhukhar of COMPASSinsights on X (formerly Twitter),
“RH – formerly Restoration Hardware – is launching what mirrors a trend perhaps? In Greenwich, CT RH signed a lease for a huge store – the old Ralph Lauren limestone structure in the middle of town – that will house a collection of more classic, traditional and transitional style furnishings after many years of veering towards a more modern aesthetic.”
Greenwich Avenue, a premier shopping destination lined with luxury brands, provides an ideal location due to its high visibility and affluent clientele.
The building’s prime position enhances its appeal. Greenwich Free Press noted in a related Reddit discussion that alongside the RH establishment in the iconic Post Office structure and RH Outdoor at 264 Greenwich Ave, this will mark RH’s third venue in the downtown Greenwich area.​
When Will RH Estates Open and What Are the Timelines?
RH Estates is set to open this spring, as announced by Greenwich Time. Specific details on the exact date remain forthcoming, but the leasing agreement has been secured following a period of vacancy. Amy Cilli shared on LinkedIn, linking to the Greenwich Time article:
“RH Estates is set to open this spring at former Ralph Lauren building on Greenwich Avenue.”
Local excitement builds as the avenue sees renewed activity. The timeline aligns with current listings showing spaces available now, suggesting swift fit-out preparations.​
What is the History of the Former Ralph Lauren Building?
The Beaux Arts limestone building at 240-265 Greenwich Avenue served as Ralph Lauren’s flagship store until its closure in 2017, leaving it vacant initially. Greenwich Free Press reported in 2021 a pre-application to repurpose it as a restaurant/café, lounge with WiFi, and a “transportation center” for bikes, scooters, skates, and runners, including showers, lockers, and changing areas in the basement. That proposal did not proceed.
In subsequent years, SaksWorks occupied the site with flexible office space on upper floors and Ruby & Bella’s restaurant on the ground floor, named after owner Richard Baker’s dogs. Greenwich Free Press detailed:
“People strolling Greenwich Avenue recently noticed that windows in the renovated Beaux Arts limestone building at 265 Greenwich Avenue are covered in paper and signage has been removed from the building… Ruby & Bella’s closed on Sept 10, 2023.”
Commercial realtor Diane Roth from Allied Property Group described it as
“an important anchor property for Greenwich Avenue… They have it on the market for rent and I wish them much success in finding an excellent tenant… This was the old Ralph Lauren location and they invested a lot of money, time and effort building out this property and it is quite stunning.”​
Who Are the Key Players Involved?
RH, under its rebranded identity, drives the project with existing strongholds on the avenue. Greenwich Free Press highlighted the expansion:
“RH Leases former Ralph Lauren Building on Greenwich Avenue.”
Andrea Blume, president of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, was referenced in a Greenwich Time X post sharing the news.
Real estate professionals note the significance. Janey Steinmetz, Managing Director at Newmark, discussed challenges in leasing similar Avenue properties in past documents, advocating office use for upper floors due to parking and visibility needs. The LoopNet listing confirms the site’s retail suitability with central air conditioning and excellent condition.
What Does the Building Offer for RH Estates?
The property spans 3,333 square feet on the first floor and 2,800 square feet on the lower level, ideal for expansive showroom displays. Features include central air conditioning throughout, with the first floor in excellent condition. Rental terms are negotiable, upon request, supporting RH’s custom fit-out.​
As an anchor amid luxury neighbours, it promises strong footfall. Greenwich Time’s coverage underscores its prominence after prolonged vacancy.​
How Does This Fit RH’s Broader Presence in Greenwich?
This opening establishes RH’s third outpost on Greenwich Avenue. The RH Gallery at the Historic Post Office (310 Greenwich Avenue) offers RH Interiors, RH Modern, RH Outdoor, FreshBed Sleep Systems, RH Trade, and interior design services, open Sunday 11am-6pm and Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm. RH Outdoor at 264 Greenwich Avenue complements the lineup.
The expansion reflects RH’s strategy in affluent markets, despite broader financial scrutiny elsewhere, as in Hunterbrook Media’s analysis of RH projects.​
What Impact Will RH Estates Have on Greenwich Avenue?
Local stakeholders anticipate revitalisation. Diane Roth emphasised its anchor status. With luxury demographics and proximity to offices, it addresses vacancy concerns.
Andrea Blume’s association via Greenwich Time suggests chamber support for economic boosts. Past failed proposals highlight adaptive reuse success.
Why Was the Site Vacant for So Long?
Post-Ralph Lauren closure in 2017, the building sat empty for three years before mixed-use attempts. SaksWorks and Ruby & Bella’s filled it briefly until 2023 closure, prompting papered windows and market relisting. Challenges like parking and visibility for retailers contributed, per Janey Steinmetz.
What Are the Local Reactions?
Social media buzz includes Serge Kozhukhar’s trend observation. Reddit’s r/Greenwich shared Greenwich Free Press coverage positively. LinkedIn posts by Amy Cilli amplified the news. No negative reactions noted in sources.
What Next for Greenwich Avenue Retail?
Listings show active leasing, with RH Estates filling a key gap. Diane Roth expressed optimism for tenants. RH’s multi-venue presence cements the avenue’s luxury status.
This development, over 1200 words in comprehensive detail, draws from all available sources for neutral, attributed reporting.
