Architectural Design For Wesley Grove At Asbury Park Blends Historic Charm With Modern Conveniences

Wesley Grove at Asbury Park, a new luxury community now being developed by Westminster Communities in this historic oceanfront city is a model of New Urbanism. The community is designed to create a walkable neighborhood reminiscent of the tight-knit communities of by-gone days. It will include 750 residential units consisting of condominium and duplex units, as well as luxury townhomes, with views of both Wesley Lake and the ocean. There will also be 34,000 square feet of retail space. Phase 1 of the development will feature 146 luxury townhomes, condominiums and duplexes in two art deco-inspired buildings, pictured in this Lake Avenue rendering.

Meticulous detailing, superior materials and energy efficiency characterize Wesley Grove at Asbury Park, a waterfront development currently under construction by Westminster Communities within Oceanfront Asbury, an ambitious revitalization project. Minno & Wasko, an architectural and planning firm based in Lambertville, New Jersey, designed the buildings to reflect the historic charm of the surrounding seaside towns, while providing residents with optimum water views and modern amenities.

Phase 1 of Wesley Grove at Asbury Park features 146 luxury townhomes, condominiums and duplexes in two art deco-inspired structures adjacent to Wesley Lake. The community also includes 338 parking spaces hidden from view and approximately 10,000 square feet of retail amenities. Finished in brick, stucco and glass, Wesley Grove's handsome buildings will step down from four stories at their front along Cookman Avenue, to two stories along Lake Avenue to maximize waterfront views for residents of Cookman Avenue. Minno & Wasko also incorporated walkout balconies, roof terraces, and over-sized windows in strategic locations to take advantage of water views and natural light.

"Minno & Wasko's high level of detail sets their firm's work apart from others," noted Sam M. Gershwin, president of Westminster Communities. "For example, their concern for Wesley Grove's exterior went far beyond its appearance. They helped us consider how the buildings would blend with surrounding architecture and what type of historical details were required. The result is a design that will stand up over time."

Minno & Wasko's exceptional design services have earned the firm numerous honors, including the prestigious "Pillars of the Industry Award." With a staff of 55 experienced professionals, the firm has contributed to redevelopment projects in many of New Jersey's most significant cities.

Downtown Location and Design are Pedestrian-Friendly

Because Wesley Grove at Asbury Park occupies a prime location within walking distance of the revitalized downtown district, Westminster Communities wanted the development to have a pedestrian-friendly feel. "With the downtown's eclectic mix of shops, banks, restaurants and galleries just steps away and the train station nearby, Wesley Grove residents will have little need for their cars," explained Gershwin.

In keeping with the principles of the 'New Urbanism' design trend, Minno & Wasko "took the car out" of Wesley Grove's design, wherever possible. "The cars, themselves, will be hidden from view," said David Minno, principal. "On Cookman Avenue, the one-story parking deck will be virtually invisible," continued Minno. "On Lake Avenue, the private garages for the townhomes will be in alleys off the main street, out of sight."

In addition, every effort has been made to create streetscapes that are inviting and appealing. "The buildings have been pulled closer to the sidewalk, rather than set back, bringing animation and activity to the street," said Minno. "We have also created many individual building entries with stoops to simulate a small-town atmosphere."

Historic Charm Blended with Modern Amenities

To project the charm of a historic seaside town, Minno & Wasko incorporated elements of both the Arts and Crafts and Victorian-style architecture that characterize Asbury Park and Ocean Grove into the exterior design of Wesley Grove. Inside, however,

Westminster Communities has included luxurious modern amenities - details that today's discerning homebuyers appreciate. Each home will feature an oversized master bedroom and bath, a high-tech kitchen with the latest appliances, and individual washer and dryer hookups.

The 46 luxury townhomes included within Phase 1 will offer more than 2,400 square feet of living and entertaining space on two levels, plus a spacious loft that opens to a rooftop terrace. Several of the residences will offer private yards, decks and balconies. The 100 condominium and duplex units will average more than 1,280 square feet, some with walkout balconies and roof terraces overlooking Wesley Lake and the ocean.

"No detail was overlooked for residents' enjoyment and convenience," summed up Gershwin. "We wouldn't have it any other way."

A Sales and Design Center opening this spring at 600 Cookman Avenue will offer prospective residents a preview of the lifestyle available at Wesley Grove at Asbury Park through a virtual reality DVD presentation, scale models of the first building, and replicas of the upscale kitchens and baths that will be featured in the luxury residences.