By: Dane Steele Green
We LOVE Asbury Park, New Jersey. Over the past five years, the seaside city, just one hour away from Manhattan, has experienced the first wave of major growth. Founded in the late 1800’s, Asbury Park became a luxurious summer destination dating back from the Victorian Era to the late 60’s. Then, the drugs and crime tore Asbury to its knees and the city was left abandoned.
Asbury Park was always known for its eclectic music scene and atmosphere. For years, there have been a few grassroots attempts to rebuild Asbury Park, but it was not enough… Major investors were needed.
Then came along iStar and Madison Marquette, mega national real estate developers which purchased most of the property and land plots on the decrepit boardwalk of Asbury and throughout the downtown area. Over the past 5 years, the beach front has been restored. Luxury townhouses sold out in minutes; condos and retail are popping up throughout the small city.
As an investor in Asbury Park, owner of a 4-story beach front townhouse at The Vive, iStar’s first major project in Asbury, I am thrilled to say that my time in Asbury Park has been nothing more than pure joy. The restaurants are delicious, people are friendly and open minded, and the music is everywhere. The LGBT scene is booming, and this destination is certainly an outstanding alternative to Fire Island or the ‘other’ outskirts of New York’s Long Island.
Just two years ago, iStar engaged Manhattan based Stonehill & Taylor Architects to turn the abandoned Salvation Army Building into a magnificent 110-room beach boutique hotel, The Asbury Hotel. Anda Andrei and David Bowd of Salt Hotels collaboratively designed the interiors and exterior spaces of the property, all of which are aimed to create a relaxed hub for cultural and social activity.
The Asbury Hotel is now accepting pre-opening reservations for May 2016 stays! rates start at $125 per night. For more information, Asbury Hotel’s website at www.TheAsburyHotel.com or contact Steele Luxury Travel to make a reservation at 646-688-2274!