Wesley Grove At Asbury Park Reflects 'New Urbanism' Vitality

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.

Increasingly disillusioned with suburban sprawl on the one hand, and the decay of the inner city on the other, Americans are looking for a new way of life, a "New Urbanism" that combines old-fashioned small-town warmth with modern conveniences. This New Urbanism is exactly what is being created in Wesley Grove at Asbury Park, a new luxury community now being developed by Westminster Communities in this historic oceanfront city. The community, now emerging on prime property in the Wesley Lake district, is designed to create a diverse, vibrant, 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.

Pedestrian-Friendly Community

Asbury Park was created as a seaside haven, drawing people from near and far to its sparkling beaches, landscaped public gardens and shimmering lakes. James A. Bradley, a visionary 19th century developer, designed the city's layout with wide, inviting avenues, broad ocean views, and a convenient mix of homes, retail establishments and recreational facilities that would bring people together in a thriving community. The New Urbanism of Wesley Grove marks a renaissance of that shore community ideal.

"New Urbanism refers to mixed-use communities in which residents do not have to rely on cars to get to shops and amenities, where they can sit on the front stoop and greet their neighbors, breathe in the fresh ocean air, or walk down a tree-lined street to a pocket park, the local café, the beach or the boardwalk," explained David Minno of the architectural firm of Minno and Wasko, designers of Wesley Grove.

"To create this pedestrian-friendly atmosphere at Wesley Grove, we have tried to take the car out of the picture, both visually and otherwise. Because the community will have its own shops, banks, and restaurants, in addition to being just steps from Asbury Park's revitalized downtown retail district, residents will not have to rely on their cars for most of their needs. Dozens of new businesses have opened in Asbury Park recently, including everything from trendy restaurants to contemporary art galleries, jazz clubs and upscale shopping. The location is also just a few minutes walk from the train station for ideal commuting. "The cars themselves will be hidden from view," Minno continued. "On Cookman Avenue, we have designed a one-story parking deck that is virtually invisible. On Lake Avenue, the private garages associated with the townhomes are in alleys off the main street and 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 create a small-town atmosphere."

A Blend of Old and New

The architecture and design of the buildings also plays an important role in creating this New Urbanism environment. Phase One of the Wesley Grove development will include 146 luxury townhomes, condominiums and duplexes, and approximately 10,000 square feet of retail amenities. These will occupy two art deco-inspired structures finished with brick, stucco and glass, which will step down from four stories along Cookman Avenue to two-story townhomes along Lake Avenue. "The buildings have a historic scale and feel," said Minno. "We borrowed historic elements from the downtown, using the arts and crafts or Victorian-style characteristic of Asbury Park and Ocean Grove."

The condominiums and duplexes located on the third and fourth floors feature large terraces and roof gardens where residents can entertain guests and have a clear view of neighborhood activities. Many of the townhomes include roof decks and private yards.

"The New Urbanism is about creating a true sense of community and providing a lifestyle in which people can walk out of their homes and immediately find opportunities to socialize, relax, shop and play," Minno explained. "It is about being able to spend most of your time in your own neighborhood, rather than behind the wheel of your car. It is about having luxury homes in a revitalized historic urban area, with spectacular views of the ocean. All of these elements are what make Wesley Grove at Asbury Park the ideal community."
The Wesley Grove at Asbury Park Sales and Design Center is expected to open in April, with a theater showing a virtual reality DVD presentation and a scale model of the first building. To be placed on the priority list for Wesley Grove at Asbury Park, please call (866) 440-0267.