PLANS FOR CASINO, POWER PLANT AND CONVENTION HALL/PARAMOUNT THEATRE BUILDINGS EXEMPLIFY COMPLEXITIES OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ON THE WATERFRONT

ASBURY PARK, N.J., April 5, 2006 –The combination of simultaneous preservation and redevelopment in a historically significant city such as Asbury Park involves a delicate balance to ensure both the safety and quality of the work. No one knows this better than Larry Fishman, chief operating officer of Asbury Partners, master developer of the 56-acre Oceanfront Asbury waterfront redevelopment.

The company has laid the groundwork to move ahead on the complex task of historic restoration of the famed Casino, Power Plant and Convention Hall buildings along the boardwalk. A team of respected planners, architects, engineers and environmental experts have been working with historic preservationists and government agencies to renovate the legendary structures.

“Any historic preservation project such as this begins with a tremendous behind-the-scenes investment of time, effort and money,” Fishman said. “It requires detailed plans and step-by-step coordination with myriad local and state governing bodies, as well as historic preservationists.”

Because the redevelopment and restoration efforts are taking place in an active area, surrounded by pedestrian and vehicular traffic, special care must also be taken to ensure that the work progresses in a safe and secure manner. “Laying the groundwork in these fundamental areas is crucial to the ultimate success of the project,” said Fishman, who has been working hand-in-hand with the City.

Architectural Preservation and Essential Repairs Begin
The initial steps, already completed, have involved the recording of every structural aspect of the historic buildings. Clarke Caton Hintz, chief planner/urban designer for Oceanfront Asbury, created detailed drawings of existing conditions in both the Casino and Convention Hall. “These drawings are vital in documenting the historic fabric of the buildings and will serve as the basis for the historic restoration,” explained John Clarke.