HELP! HELP!
Library Square Park in Asbury Park needs more help. Why?
A few years ago, a group of concerned citizens finally got help to restore Library Sqaure Park in Asbury Park New Jersey. A fountain was restored. Flowers and Trees planted. A sprinkler system was installed. Lights around the fountain.
The beginnning of the restoration took place while the Boardwalk Area Redevelopment dragged along. The park is between Asbury Ave and 1st Ave with the Asbury Park Library across Grand Avenue. Someday, the old, crumbling Metropolitan Hotel east of the park will be gone and replaced by condos.
After all the hard work, vandals have begun to destroy what was replaced after all these years. Lights broken. Plants dug up. Sprinklers destroyed.
Help is needed to catch the ones responsible and to restore the damage. In an effort to curb further damage, it has been suggested cameras be installed to monitor the park around the clock. The problem is, funds would be needed to pay for this.
If anyone wishes to contribute time or funds to this cause, drop me a note
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Experience Asbury
New Entertainment, Dining and Shopping Options Debut as Madison Marquette and Asbury Partners Finalize Joint Venture Agreement
ASBURY PARK, N.J., June 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Madison Marquette
announced today the formation of Experience Asbury, a joint venture with
Asbury Partners to redevelop and revitalize the entire Asbury Park
boardwalk. The formation coincides with the commencement of major
improvement projects, including the rehabilitation of the famed Paramount
Theatre and Convention Hall.
"Summer 2007 marks the return of Asbury Park as a preeminent cultural,
dining, shopping and beach recreation destination," said Gary Mottola,
President of Madison Marquette Investments, the managing partner of the new
joint venture. The redevelopment zone stretches over 1.25 miles of
oceanfront property and includes Asbury Park's historic boardwalk,
pavilions, Casino Building and Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall.
Paramount Theatre Rehabilitation
Madison Marquette is near completion of a historic rehabilitation of
the historic Paramount Theatre. A grand reopening celebration is scheduled
for Friday, June 29 and will feature the debut of "Attention Span of a
Fly," an original performance from Kennedy Center Award-Winning New Jersey
playwright, Ben Clawson.
Larry Potter of Landmark Studio in Pittstown, New Jersey, is completing
the theater's restoration. The 1,500-seat venue was originally built in
1930 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It was
designed by the famed architecture firm of Warren and Wetmore and was
widely considered one of the most magnificent theaters of the early 20th
century. Anchoring the North end of the Asbury Park boardwalk, it is an
enduring symbol of the city's rich history and culture.
This summer the Paramount will house a variety of live performances. A
new in-residence theatre company, Park Players, will host a series of
plays. Christopher Barker, Executive Director of Highlands Regional
Playhouse in Allendale, New Jersey has founded the theatre company with his
brother, Jonathan Barker. "We were so excited about the restoration of this
theater and the entire boardwalk area that we created Park Players," said
Christopher Barker.
New Jersey's Metro Lyric Opera is sponsoring an opera series at
Paramount Theatre that includes two performances, Traviata on July 21 and
Barber of Seville on August 4. Additional individual concerts and events
are scheduled throughout the season.
"The Paramount Theatre is once again the center of Asbury Park's
cultural life," said Mr. Mottola. "These performances will breathe
important new life into summer nights at the boardwalk."
New Retail and Dining Options
Madison Marquette is adding several new retail and dining options for
boardwalk patrons this summer. In the former Howard Johnson's building,
successful restaurateur Gabe Marabella has opened Salt Water Beach Cafe, a
relaxed beach concept serving an upscale American menu. Outdoor seating
allows guests to enjoy the beach and boardwalk while dining and 'Boardwalk
Menu' allows beachgoers to satisfy their hunger without losing any time in
the sun.
"Asbury Park is officially reborn and I am looking forward to helping
usher in a new era," said Mr. Marabella, an experienced restaurateur best
known for his Marabella's Restaurants in Philadelphia and southern New
Jersey shore area.
New retail options include: Hot Sand, a glass-blowing artisan; Brielle
Cyclery, a bicycle shop; Cabana Club, a new entertainment club; Casa Di
Formaggio, a panini sandwich shop; and the Beach Bar. "These great
additions are just the beginning of our efforts to repopulate the
oceanfront with exciting new dining and retail offerings," said Mr.
Mottola.
Landscaping and Pavilion Improvements
Experience Asbury has already made significant improvements to the
landscaping and physical appearance of the Asbury Park oceanfront area. A
park-like setting has been created with green spaces now filling the areas
between the pavilions. Flowers and additional seating are also featured.
In front of the Paramount Theatre, a plaza has been created with custom
brick-work and ample seating where live music will be performed throughout
the summer. A portion of the Casino Building has also now been opened to
allow for passageway on the boardwalk. A beatification program has been
implemented for the pavilions and several surrounding buildings.
"The improvements are a fundamental part of making Asbury Park a
special destination," said Mr. Mottola. "They signify our commitment to
Asbury Park and are just a preview of the exciting changes now afoot."
About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette is a Washington, D.C.-based investor, developer and
operator of retail and retail mixed-use real estate throughout the United
States. The company specializes in creating unique retail destinations that
respond best to consumer preferences. With regional offices in New York,
Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, San Diego
and Ft. Lauderdale, Madison Marquette seeks investment opportunities in
growing markets. The company maintains a sophisticated in-house operating
capability and oversees 23 million square feet of retail real estate. This
diverse national portfolio includes many properties that Madison Marquette
manages and leases on behalf of third-party owners.
ASBURY PARK, N.J., June 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Madison Marquette
announced today the formation of Experience Asbury, a joint venture with
Asbury Partners to redevelop and revitalize the entire Asbury Park
boardwalk. The formation coincides with the commencement of major
improvement projects, including the rehabilitation of the famed Paramount
Theatre and Convention Hall.
"Summer 2007 marks the return of Asbury Park as a preeminent cultural,
dining, shopping and beach recreation destination," said Gary Mottola,
President of Madison Marquette Investments, the managing partner of the new
joint venture. The redevelopment zone stretches over 1.25 miles of
oceanfront property and includes Asbury Park's historic boardwalk,
pavilions, Casino Building and Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall.
Paramount Theatre Rehabilitation
Madison Marquette is near completion of a historic rehabilitation of
the historic Paramount Theatre. A grand reopening celebration is scheduled
for Friday, June 29 and will feature the debut of "Attention Span of a
Fly," an original performance from Kennedy Center Award-Winning New Jersey
playwright, Ben Clawson.
Larry Potter of Landmark Studio in Pittstown, New Jersey, is completing
the theater's restoration. The 1,500-seat venue was originally built in
1930 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It was
designed by the famed architecture firm of Warren and Wetmore and was
widely considered one of the most magnificent theaters of the early 20th
century. Anchoring the North end of the Asbury Park boardwalk, it is an
enduring symbol of the city's rich history and culture.
This summer the Paramount will house a variety of live performances. A
new in-residence theatre company, Park Players, will host a series of
plays. Christopher Barker, Executive Director of Highlands Regional
Playhouse in Allendale, New Jersey has founded the theatre company with his
brother, Jonathan Barker. "We were so excited about the restoration of this
theater and the entire boardwalk area that we created Park Players," said
Christopher Barker.
New Jersey's Metro Lyric Opera is sponsoring an opera series at
Paramount Theatre that includes two performances, Traviata on July 21 and
Barber of Seville on August 4. Additional individual concerts and events
are scheduled throughout the season.
"The Paramount Theatre is once again the center of Asbury Park's
cultural life," said Mr. Mottola. "These performances will breathe
important new life into summer nights at the boardwalk."
New Retail and Dining Options
Madison Marquette is adding several new retail and dining options for
boardwalk patrons this summer. In the former Howard Johnson's building,
successful restaurateur Gabe Marabella has opened Salt Water Beach Cafe, a
relaxed beach concept serving an upscale American menu. Outdoor seating
allows guests to enjoy the beach and boardwalk while dining and 'Boardwalk
Menu' allows beachgoers to satisfy their hunger without losing any time in
the sun.
"Asbury Park is officially reborn and I am looking forward to helping
usher in a new era," said Mr. Marabella, an experienced restaurateur best
known for his Marabella's Restaurants in Philadelphia and southern New
Jersey shore area.
New retail options include: Hot Sand, a glass-blowing artisan; Brielle
Cyclery, a bicycle shop; Cabana Club, a new entertainment club; Casa Di
Formaggio, a panini sandwich shop; and the Beach Bar. "These great
additions are just the beginning of our efforts to repopulate the
oceanfront with exciting new dining and retail offerings," said Mr.
Mottola.
Landscaping and Pavilion Improvements
Experience Asbury has already made significant improvements to the
landscaping and physical appearance of the Asbury Park oceanfront area. A
park-like setting has been created with green spaces now filling the areas
between the pavilions. Flowers and additional seating are also featured.
In front of the Paramount Theatre, a plaza has been created with custom
brick-work and ample seating where live music will be performed throughout
the summer. A portion of the Casino Building has also now been opened to
allow for passageway on the boardwalk. A beatification program has been
implemented for the pavilions and several surrounding buildings.
"The improvements are a fundamental part of making Asbury Park a
special destination," said Mr. Mottola. "They signify our commitment to
Asbury Park and are just a preview of the exciting changes now afoot."
About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette is a Washington, D.C.-based investor, developer and
operator of retail and retail mixed-use real estate throughout the United
States. The company specializes in creating unique retail destinations that
respond best to consumer preferences. With regional offices in New York,
Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, San Diego
and Ft. Lauderdale, Madison Marquette seeks investment opportunities in
growing markets. The company maintains a sophisticated in-house operating
capability and oversees 23 million square feet of retail real estate. This
diverse national portfolio includes many properties that Madison Marquette
manages and leases on behalf of third-party owners.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Memories Wanted of the Jersey Shore
On our website, asburyboardwalk.com, readers have been submitted their memories of Asbury Park along with old photos and more.
Do you have memories of Asbury Park or have photos to share? We love to have them to add to the site.
Visit what others have sent - maybe it will trigger a memory. A love, space, a time, fun.
Do you have a memory of another town, a different summer, we'll take those as well.
Submit your story today.
Do you have memories of Asbury Park or have photos to share? We love to have them to add to the site.
Visit what others have sent - maybe it will trigger a memory. A love, space, a time, fun.
Do you have a memory of another town, a different summer, we'll take those as well.
Submit your story today.
The New Jersey Boardwalks
We all love or loved the Asbury Park Boardwalk. From the early 80's to just last year (let's use 25 years), the boardwalk just sat. Sat empty on hot summer days and nights. A Ghost town.
Even the new redevelopment effort had and has critics. Not only was the boardwalk empty, so was the downtown - Cookman Avenue.
Over the past several years, new merchants came to Cookman Avenue. Now, you have to find parking to eat in one of the many restaraunts. Take your pick, your sure to find a great meal.
Now, what about "other" boardwalks in New Jersey and what do they have to offer?
We will start our journey in Keansburg - the Keansburg Amusement Park and work our down to Cape May. We'll use the official 127 miles of the "Jersey Shore" and explore what each "boardwalk" town has to offer. From peace and quiet to the traditional boardwalk many of us grew up with. How long will these remain?
How many traditons have survived?
Keansburg, Long Branch, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon, Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Wildwood and Cape May.
Follow us as we begin our tour and stay tuned as we update it.
The Jersey Shore Boardwalks
http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/boardwalks/boardwalks.htm
Even the new redevelopment effort had and has critics. Not only was the boardwalk empty, so was the downtown - Cookman Avenue.
Over the past several years, new merchants came to Cookman Avenue. Now, you have to find parking to eat in one of the many restaraunts. Take your pick, your sure to find a great meal.
Now, what about "other" boardwalks in New Jersey and what do they have to offer?
We will start our journey in Keansburg - the Keansburg Amusement Park and work our down to Cape May. We'll use the official 127 miles of the "Jersey Shore" and explore what each "boardwalk" town has to offer. From peace and quiet to the traditional boardwalk many of us grew up with. How long will these remain?
How many traditons have survived?
Keansburg, Long Branch, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon, Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Wildwood and Cape May.
Follow us as we begin our tour and stay tuned as we update it.
The Jersey Shore Boardwalks
http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/boardwalks/boardwalks.htm
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Asbury Partners and Madison Marquette Tie the Knot
On June 11, Asbury Partners and Madison Marquette officially became partners in the Asbury Park Waterfront Redevelopment. Madison Marquette will be contributing upwards of $200 million in capital along with their national retail development and marketing expertise.
Their work has been evident the past several months, with temporary repairs and making the construction area more presentable along with some preliminary marketing. Most notably, they managed to reopen the former Howard Johnson's as the Salt Water Cafe and plans to open the Paramount Theatre the last week of June.
They also plan on creating new plans for various tracts in the Waterfront Redevelopment Area, including more parking then the current plan.
Hopefully, their skills in development will keep the ball rolling in Asbury.
While the Esperanza complex is beginning to get a foundation, North Beach Asbury and Wesley Grove are welcoming their first residents.
Opportunities still exist to purchase pre-construction at the Esperanza or to move in this summer at North Beach.
Contact:
David Dorfman
Gilman Commercial Realty LLC
Residential and Commercial
Office: 732-517-0088
Cell: 732-539-2914
Their work has been evident the past several months, with temporary repairs and making the construction area more presentable along with some preliminary marketing. Most notably, they managed to reopen the former Howard Johnson's as the Salt Water Cafe and plans to open the Paramount Theatre the last week of June.
They also plan on creating new plans for various tracts in the Waterfront Redevelopment Area, including more parking then the current plan.
Hopefully, their skills in development will keep the ball rolling in Asbury.
While the Esperanza complex is beginning to get a foundation, North Beach Asbury and Wesley Grove are welcoming their first residents.
Opportunities still exist to purchase pre-construction at the Esperanza or to move in this summer at North Beach.
Contact:
David Dorfman
Gilman Commercial Realty LLC
Residential and Commercial
Office: 732-517-0088
Cell: 732-539-2914
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
From Wildwood to Asbury - A day on the Jersey Shore
I woke up Saturday morning iwht nothing really planned. Ocean Grove was having their giant flea/craft fair and my sister was working this with her stuff. So I hopped on my bicycle and off I went - through Deal, Allenhurst and Loch Arbour anf finally along the Boardwalk. This is always the best part, for some reason. North Beach under construction, the quick foul smell of the sewer plant. Once you reach convention hall, you ride through at 8 am and the the air inside is cool and you look down the whole boardwalk to the Casino. This entire stretch of the boardwalk is all new. The Casino is once again opened for passage and through I went. New roof. Into Ocean Grove I rode and walked around the festival. Free sample of Kettle Corn, got a "caribbean" iced tea and braided pretzel. How could you resist? Then for some reason, I came across a postcard that I hadn't seen of Asbury. $8.00. Oh well.
I hung out for a while and rode back to Ocean Township. Shook my daughter up and siad let's go for a ride. She got a jeep and has a permit and I want her to drive around some. "Where?", she asked. Wildwood, I said.
We got down to Wildwood, parked and got out. I told her all I wanted was a Kohr's Ice Cream and a cheesesteak. We walked around some and she commented on the people and some of the stuff that was going on. We then noticed they had a motocross event on the beach. So we paid and watched that for a while. Ate a burger, walked around and then she told me she never really liked boardwalks. Like her mom, I thought.
I got the hint and found a Kohr's. I got my favorite - the orange and vanilla in a cone. She got a vanilla. She couldn't even eat the whole thing. Dad, this is REAL. Real heavy. They'll admit it. Same recipe since 1920's. Fat and more. Yum. Like eating a filet mignon. Actaully, I once saw an old hershey bar wrapper with the slogan "more nuttious then meat". Well, so was this Kohrs.
We hopped back in the jeep and worked our way along the shore towns heading north. All thos cute little bungalow towns long gone. Most replaced with the same 3 story, narrow lot home. No one outside. Boring. We wiggled our way to Ocean City, where we once again hopped out. She looked around and "nope". Off we headed north. We drove through Atlantic City and we were tired. So we headed back to the parkway and got home by 7pm. My grand tour. BUT, we drove back through Asbury, where she remarked how unique and different Asbury WAS and IS. It has it's own life, identity.
That night, I needed something to do. I wound up on the boardwalk in Long Branch, I mean Pier Village. Packed. NO place to sit for even a drink. So I jumped back in the car and went to Asbury and wound up at the Brick Wall on Cookman Avenue. Great Burger. Then my wife called, "meet me at Rooneys". So back I went to Long Branch.
A long day on the Jersey Shore. There is something magical about the Atlantic.
I hung out for a while and rode back to Ocean Township. Shook my daughter up and siad let's go for a ride. She got a jeep and has a permit and I want her to drive around some. "Where?", she asked. Wildwood, I said.
We got down to Wildwood, parked and got out. I told her all I wanted was a Kohr's Ice Cream and a cheesesteak. We walked around some and she commented on the people and some of the stuff that was going on. We then noticed they had a motocross event on the beach. So we paid and watched that for a while. Ate a burger, walked around and then she told me she never really liked boardwalks. Like her mom, I thought.
I got the hint and found a Kohr's. I got my favorite - the orange and vanilla in a cone. She got a vanilla. She couldn't even eat the whole thing. Dad, this is REAL. Real heavy. They'll admit it. Same recipe since 1920's. Fat and more. Yum. Like eating a filet mignon. Actaully, I once saw an old hershey bar wrapper with the slogan "more nuttious then meat". Well, so was this Kohrs.
We hopped back in the jeep and worked our way along the shore towns heading north. All thos cute little bungalow towns long gone. Most replaced with the same 3 story, narrow lot home. No one outside. Boring. We wiggled our way to Ocean City, where we once again hopped out. She looked around and "nope". Off we headed north. We drove through Atlantic City and we were tired. So we headed back to the parkway and got home by 7pm. My grand tour. BUT, we drove back through Asbury, where she remarked how unique and different Asbury WAS and IS. It has it's own life, identity.
That night, I needed something to do. I wound up on the boardwalk in Long Branch, I mean Pier Village. Packed. NO place to sit for even a drink. So I jumped back in the car and went to Asbury and wound up at the Brick Wall on Cookman Avenue. Great Burger. Then my wife called, "meet me at Rooneys". So back I went to Long Branch.
A long day on the Jersey Shore. There is something magical about the Atlantic.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Hot dogs and Fresh Air
June 1, Asbury Park New Jersey.
I made an appointment with a client to show the new condo project in Asbury Park, The Esperanza. It was hot as anything inland - around 87. "down the shore" in Asbury, a breezy 74.
I finished my appointment, then took a walk along the boardwalk to see the work taking place on the exterior of the Paramount. They redid the entrance, loads of new plantings.
The newest partners in the redevelopment of beachfront, Madison Marquette seems to have taken a lead role in at least getting the appearance of the buildings and grounds in shape. Ocean Ave has a finished roadway, the avenues leading to the great beaches are planted and look great.
I wanted to try the Salt Water Cafe, but they are not open for lunch just yet. I noticed down the boardwalk that the Mayfair was open.
Can you please burn me one, I asked and throw the bun on the grill.
A a few minutes later, I bit into my first BOARDWALK hot dog of the summer. It's a boardwalk dog because you have to eat it on the boardwalk, on a bench, looking at the ocean. The big dog on a little bun. watching the extras drip to the boardwalk while a pigeon waits nearby. Summer.
No other way.
I feel sorry for those who want them out in Colorado, Texas, California, Florida - the list is endless. Something that is always missed.
I made an appointment with a client to show the new condo project in Asbury Park, The Esperanza. It was hot as anything inland - around 87. "down the shore" in Asbury, a breezy 74.
I finished my appointment, then took a walk along the boardwalk to see the work taking place on the exterior of the Paramount. They redid the entrance, loads of new plantings.
The newest partners in the redevelopment of beachfront, Madison Marquette seems to have taken a lead role in at least getting the appearance of the buildings and grounds in shape. Ocean Ave has a finished roadway, the avenues leading to the great beaches are planted and look great.
I wanted to try the Salt Water Cafe, but they are not open for lunch just yet. I noticed down the boardwalk that the Mayfair was open.
Can you please burn me one, I asked and throw the bun on the grill.
A a few minutes later, I bit into my first BOARDWALK hot dog of the summer. It's a boardwalk dog because you have to eat it on the boardwalk, on a bench, looking at the ocean. The big dog on a little bun. watching the extras drip to the boardwalk while a pigeon waits nearby. Summer.
No other way.
I feel sorry for those who want them out in Colorado, Texas, California, Florida - the list is endless. Something that is always missed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)