Showing posts with label Boardwalk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boardwalk. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2009

Asbury Park Boardwalk Summer 2009

Asbury Park, New Jersey - May 22, 2009 - The Asbury Park Boardwalk is better then ever with more stores and entertainment and one of New Jersey's top beaches.

In addition to The Boardwalk, The Downtown merchants are geared up as well. Both the Boardwalk and the downtown are home to great venues and restaurants.

The newest arrivals on The Asbury Park Boardwalk are Stella Marina, offering Italian food, outdoor boardwalk dining and second floor roof deck and indoor dining. Next door is The Watermark - a unique classy yet casual bar and tapas menu - great deck and indoor couches and fireplace. Very, very nice

Joining them in the First Avenue building are Boardwalk Bagels and Subs, Shades sunglasses,Bodega Home Furnishings and Candyteria and
Corazza Mid-Century Home Furnishings

Before you head north - you'll notice converted shipping containers (white buildings). They hold some of Asbury's unique shops - 2nd ave - kite store and Ralph's Italian Icees. The highlight now is the new kid Waterpark with unique giant watering cans, hoses and more pouring water down.

Moving north to the 3rd Ave building now open is the Lagosta Lounge - excellent "vacation dining" and bar along with Pops Garage (Mexican Takeout), Surf Shop. The long established Mayfair Grille with the famous boardwalk hot dogs, Posh Den offering home furnishings, and another gallery or two coming online.

Next stop is Miniature Golf. A totally brand new minigolf course right on the boardwalk. Very nicely done with water and more.

The next building is the temporary home of Madison Marquette and Asbury Partners, the lead developers of the boardwalk.

A new fastfood shop, Cuban Food and World Famous Madam Marie fortune teller booth occupy the next open space.

On 5th Ave, we have the former "bandshell building" and former Howard Johnson's. This is now The Saltwater Cafe on the the first floor and Tim McCloone's Supper Club on the second Floor.
In the same building, you can become a potter at LaPlaca Pottery or a glass blower at Hot Sands AP Glass Works. Ice Cream at Eddie Confettis Ice Cream.

You can dress sharp at Style Rocket or buy a bike At Brielle Cycles.

Go inside Convention Hall - and enjoy even more - Snack Attack for Dogs, Burgers and more, Baker Boys for Cakes and coffee, Asbury Galleria for gifts and photos. Walk out the deck of Convention Hall and relax at The Beach Bar and view the entire boardwalk beach to the south.

Enjoy Asbury Park in 2009.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Madam Marie Dies.

July 1, 2008 - (as reported in the Asbury Park Press along with our own memories) - It was one line from a Bruce Springsteen song that made the boardwalk fortune teller world famous.

And now, "Madam Marie'' has passed away.

Marie Castello, who had told fortunes since the 1930s and became famous for her presence and predictions on the Asbury Park boardwalk, died Friday, her great-granddaughter, Sally Castello said today.

Family members were attending morning services today, Castello said.

The psychic reader and advisor was 93. She became known worldwide from Bruce Springsteen's homage to her in his music."Did you hear the cops finally busted Madam Marie,'' Springsteen sang in his 1973 song, "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)'' "for tellin' fortunes better than they do."

"That was just the Boss,'' said Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Jim Bruno. "She was never arrested. But Springsteen turned her into an icon.''Bruno remembers his own run-in with the psychic."I was a 12-year-old kid,'' he said. "And I don't remember what I was doing, but I remember her chasing me away from her shack.

Her death is a real loss.''It was also somewhat unexpected.''She really wasn't sick. She just wasn't feeling well,'' Castello said. ""She was very, very strong until the day she died.''Madam Marie bragged that she had told the fortunes of everyone from Judy Garland to Springsteen himself. Legend has it that she told Springsteen he was going to be a success. Springsteen later joked that she told all the musicians that.

And Springsteen never forgot Madam Marie."He always comes by to say hello," she told Press columnist Bill Handleman in May. "He knows where he came from."

Marie Castello closed down her regular operations on the boardwalk in the mid-1990s after a dropoff in business. She continued telling fortunes in Ocean Township.

But Sally Castello is one of the family members who still does readings at the Madam Marie booth not far from Convention Hall on the boardwalk."The booth will always be there," Marie Castello said in May. "The Temple of Knowledge, that's a landmark, that's nostalgia, they'll never tear it down."
-----------------

Back in the late 70's, we could never get her picture. We tried. Her daughter or grandkids would come over for the TAB w/lemon. If there was no one on the boardwalk then, it would be us.

A true boardwalk classic.

"The Temple of Knowledge, that's a landmark, that's nostalgia, they'll never tear it down."

Let's hope that this prediction holds true,



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.

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.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Salt Water Cafe

Promising a "cool, hip cafe on the beach," Madison Marquette is set to open the new Salt Water Beach Cafe on schedule at 4 p.m. Saturday in the former Howard Johnson's on the boardwalk.

Gabe Marabella, a seasoned Philadelphia and South Jersey restaurateur, is the operating partner. Marabella has been married for 28 years to Mottola's sister.

Madison Marquette, which signed an agreement with Asbury Partners to take over the entertainment and retail redevelopment, still has to sign a developer's agreement with the city. Those negotiations are expected to be ongoing over the next month.

Last week, at the city's Chamber of Commerce luncheon (that I was at) Mottola said a refurbished Paramount Theatre will open July 1.

The Salt Water will start with seating on the first floor and is expected shortly to open the upstairs. Kevin O'Kane is the Philadelphia-trained chef.

For the first week, the Salt Water will be open daily from 4 to 11 p.m . By the following weekend, it will open for lunch with hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily except for Tuesdays when it will be closed.

Dinners will offer small-plate items in the $12 to $16 range and entrees in the $20 vicinity.

The restaurant wants to draw in the beach crowd.

"If you're in your bathing suit, you need a shirt and shoes," he said. "We'll also have 50 outdoor seats and a boardwalk menu."

This is the beginning of restoring the 5th ave Pavillion with the closed bandshell on the 2nd floor. Earlier plans had called for the demolition of the structure.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Madison Marquette - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

On May 17, 2007, Madison Marquette's Gary Mottola gave a brief presentation of their plans as managing member of Asbury Partners in restoring the beachfront and more.

He plans to have the Paramount Theatre opened once again on July 1 with a number of events planned. One being bringing back the Metro Lyric Opera.

David Rockwell, New York Archtitect, has been engaged to do preliminary concept work. The planned entertainment zone near Wesley Lake, may be redesigned to adjust the retail center into the new and renovated Casino building on the boardwalk. The Casino project would not happen until 2010.

He hopes to make Ocean Avenue as well as the boardwalk a friendly walkway with a mix of retail, entertainment and special events. Walking the boardwalk yesterday, one can see Madison's input into this massive project. The streetscapes are being completed ahead of schedule and items scheduled to be finished after more building occurred will be completed first, even though it may have to be redone at some point in the future.

Mr. Mottola also has a fondness for the Jersey Shore, having grown up in Bergen County, he recalls his past summers in the Beach Haven area where he still goes. Looks like Gary will be walking the boardwalk this summer, which is welcomed. He says he knows what the Jersey Shore is - it's not a shopping center in Kansas or in Texas. This IS the Jersey Shore. This is Asbury Park.

Welcome, Mr. Mottola and Good Luck. We're counting on you.

Madison Marquette, making a difference in Asbury Park.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Asbury Park Real Estate

Asbury Park, New Jersey - May 1, 2007.

Real Estate Sales in Asbury Park remain steady. David Dorfman, publisher of the website asburyboardwalk.com and Real Estate Agent for Gilman Commercial Realty LLC recently noted the following on the real estate market in Asbury Park, New Jersey. All information is subject to change and information obtained from the Monmouth County MLS system, tax records and conversations with other professionals.

There are numberous units available for sale or for rent in Asbury Park. From several new developments to condo conversions - prices from $149,000 for a studio to onver $2m in the under construction Esperanza.

1. The Esperanza - 2 towers built on the Ocean at 4th Ave. 224 Units in total. PRices for a 1 bedroom begin at $385,000 up to over $2m for larger, ocean front units. The average 2 bedroom or 2 bedroom with den begin around $580,000. This project is under contruction and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2008.

2. Northbeach - 3 complexes: The Seville, The Monterey and the Barcelona. 154 units total. Approximately 17 units remain in addition to resales and rentals. Units from $450,000 to $1.3m. Rentals from $2000 per month.

3. Wesley Grove - Built along Wesley Lake facing Ocean Grove and Cookman Avenue. The link from downtown Asbury Park to the Boardwalk. Phase I consists of 91 units. Approxiamtely 41 have been sold. Rental units available from $2000 per month. Occuppancy August of 2007.

4. Downtown Asbury:
a) The Blu - 24 units from $450,000. Southbeach style in downtown.
b) The Mattison - units from $450,000
c) The Grande - converted former Jersey Central Power and Light company building. Rentals from $2,000 and resales.

5. The Steinbach - Historic renovation of a former department store. 63 units. RENTALS from $1350 per month to $2850 per month. Ground floor retail.

6. Ocean Arms (4th Ave), Shoreview (4th Ave), Park Terrace, Deal Lake Village (North Asbury) - converted apartments to Condos from $149,000.

7. The Esplande - An original condo buildng on Sunset Ave. Lake and Ocean views from upper floors.

8. The Bradley - Converted large home to 13 units. Rentals (from $2,000) to resales (from $450,000).

There are plenty more of opportunities in Asbury Park.

Please contact:
David Dorfman
Gilman Commercial Realty LLC
708 Hwy 35, Neptune NJ
(On the Asbury Circle)

732-539-2914

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Asbury Park Easter Sunday

The 72nd Easter Parade returns to the Asbury Park Boardwalk and Paramount Theatre on Sunday, April 8.

Pageant competitions begin at 1:30 p.m. with the boardwalk procession where judges choose best dressed men, women, boys, girls and families and most unusual bonnets to participate in the final competitions. Gifts and prizes range from $500 U.S. Savings Bonds to gift certificates from local stores and restaurants. For more information, call (732) 502-5752.

Walk the boardwalk with judging and awards at the Paramount.

At asburyboardwalk.com - we're always looking for old photos of Asbury Park Easter Parades and more.

Email yours today.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Madison Marquette joins Asbury Partners

Madison Marquette has signed on as the redevelopers retail and entertainment partner . In the report, they said they expect to invest between $150 and $200 million into the Asbury Park Boardwalk retail and entertainment areas. Total sq footage is estimated at 450,000 sq ft.

It may be very possible that some small rides and other attractions for the younger crowd will be part of the plans.

One of the biggest discussions over the past 30 or more years is what should the boardwalk area become- a residential community or a tourist attraction. As the debate continues on, the development under way in the boardwalk zone provides for plenty of housing. We are awaiting more details on the entertainment zone and retail components.

Will there be a Kohr's once again? Will there be national chains vs. the mom and pops we grew up loving?

Madison Marquette is leading a joint venture with Asbury Partners to develop the entertainment and retail portion of the waterfront the next three to five years. One of the first projects Madison Marquette would like to complete is the renovation of the Casino and rebuilding of the Casino's eastern portion which was torn down this winter after many years of non-use and disrepair.
Madison Marquette has proposed transforming the Casino into a specialty food market and restaurant center, possibly similar to San Francisco's Ferry Building.

Monday, February 26, 2007

The Steinbach - Cool Lofts for Rent READY!

Finally. After who knows how many years - the Steinbach Building - the center of Cookman Avenue - has begun renting units. I took a tour the other day of the 2nd floor. very, very neat. High ceilings, large windows and large bathrooms.

You're in the center of it all.

Old Man Rafferty's - a bar and restaraunt will be opening May.

Once this building is finally up and running, Cookman Ave will be even brighter then it was last night.

Interested? Call David Dorfman at Gilman Commercial Realty LLC 732-517-0088.
dd

Friday, September 08, 2006

Summer 2006 is over

but the weather this week and next few days is great.

The boardwalk this year saw more and more people coming down. The beaches remain clean and still plenty of room. Construction of Wesley Grove and North Beach Condos moved along all summer - more and more signs of hope.

This is my favorite time of the year. Typlically great weather and the whole beach is mine.

While the boardwalk quiets down some, the Amusement Factory at First as well as the Tide Cafe will remain open. Still a reason to walk the boards.

Cookman Avenue continues to become "cooler". A couple more places to eat and drink, the Steinbach renovations continue, slowly, but at least this historic structure hasn't burned down or hit by a wrecking ball.

Stay tuned to asburyboardwalk or this blog .

Asbury Park. One interesting place.