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June 16, 2005
CASINO WALKWAY REOPENS ON THE ASBURY PARK BOARDWALK
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Asbury Partners, LLC, the master developer of the 56-acre waterfront redevelopment,
Oceanfront Asbury, has completed minor renovations in order to reopen the Casino
Walkway joining the City's famed boardwalk with Ocean Grove. The walkway opened
in time for Memorial Day this year, and City officials from both Asbury Park
and Ocean Grove joined Asbury Partners to celebrate the re-opening of this symbolic
boardwalk structure, which has been virtually closed for more than 15 years.
The enclosed walkway is located at the southern boundary of Asbury Park at Wesley
Lake and the ocean. Its reopening is yet another symbol of the redevelopment
progress on the waterfront and throughout the City, according to Larry Fishman,
chief operating officer of Asbury Partners.
"Pedestrians from Ocean Grove and nearby southern shore towns like Avon and Bradley
Beach can once again enjoy a walk or jog up the boardwalk and through the Casino
Walkway," Fishman said. "When they arrive in Asbury Park, they will find an exciting
new array of boardwalk amenities and entertainment reminiscent of Asbury Park's
historic past, as well as a glimpse into its future," noted Fishman. The walkway
provides direct access to Asbury Park's First Avenue Beach, one of several that
have opened for the 2005 summer season with lifeguards and public bathrooms.
On the boardwalk, at the First, Third and Fifth Avenue pavilions, visitors will
enjoy new stores, amusements, shops, bike rentals, restaurants and cafes offering
ice cream, candy, sundries, pizza, burgers and other traditional boardwalk fare.
Local vendors are featuring a wide array of Asbury Park souvenirs, photos and
memorabilia.
The walkway, which mirrors the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre arcade at the
north, protects the boardwalk from the elements and is remembered by many as
a key landmark in the City. It joins the historic Carousel building on Lake Avenue
- which is being renovated and preserved as part of Oceanfront Asbury - with
the Casino building on the beach, a structure which is beyond repair but will
be rebuilt in a reasonable facsimile.
In preparation for the opening of the historic enclosure this summer, Asbury
Partners cleaned and reinforced the ceiling, painted and refurbished the walls,
and introduced new visuals to reflect the City's past and future. The eastern
interior wall features enlarged historic postcard photos, while the opposite
wall provides visual highlights of the new development now taking place on the
waterfront.
As the redevelopment progresses, the Casino Walkway and Carousel portion of the
Casino will be totally refurbished, and the area will become the focal point
of a new pedestrian plaza being constructed on adjoining Wesley Lake. The area
will be a venue for outdoor entertainment, as designated by the Oceanfront Asbury
master plan.
A Focal Point of Asbury Park's Entertainment and Lifestyle on the Waterfront
The current Casino building, constructed in 1929 to replace the original structure
which was destroyed by fire, was designed by architects Warren and Wetmore, who
also designed Convention Hall. At various times, it housed amusements and later,
a skating arcade. Asbury Partners has pledged to rebuild the structure to match
the design, size and style of the original. It also will incorporate many components
of the old building, which have been preserved by Asbury Partners specifically
for this purpose.
The Carousel building, featuring ornate carvings and glasswork, once housed the
Philadelphia Toboggan Company's carousel number 87, which twirled to the sounds
of organ music and the delight of children of all ages. The building, with its
copper façade and unique crown-like shape, will be preserved and refurbished
to its former glory as part of the waterfront redevelopment master plan.
Last year, Asbury Partners re-constructed the famed mile-long Asbury Park boardwalk,
using the same herringbone pattern that was originally installed in the 1940s.
The company also has provided ongoing improvements of the legendary Paramount
Theatre and Convention Hall, which will be renovated in compliance with New Jersey
historic guidelines for the restoration of national historic structures.
In addition, construction of two residential developments, by Westminster Communities
along Wesley Lake, and Paramount Homes on the north shore, are now taking place.
A third developer, Metro Homes, is expected to launch construction of its property
on Ocean Avenue at Third Street later this year. "Since we began the redevelopment
work in 2002, the number of people coming to Asbury Park to enjoy its beautiful
sandy beaches and new amenities has increased steadily," said Fishman. "This
year, the increase has been dramatic, and many of our retailers are crediting
the re-opening of the Casino Walkway as key for pedestrian traffic, with record
crowds during the opening Memorial Day Weekend and ever since.
"We've made tremendous progress toward our goals on the waterfront, and this
is a milestone summer for all of us," he added. "As the summer continues, with
festivals and first-rate entertainment, more boardwalk amenities, and the beautiful
ocean, people coming here will experience the energy with us, helping to restore
this great City's stature as one of the most exciting recreational destinations
on the Jersey shore."
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