Second Phase of $100M Redevelopment Project in Long Branch, N.J. Opens

Long Branch, N.J.–In an area that was once considered the epitome of oceanfront blight in New Jersey, a multi-million dollar upscale redevelopment project is now being built.The Applied Development Co. is developing Pier Village, a spectacular mixed-use development of restaurants, retailers, residential and open spaces, spanning Laird to Melrose streets between Ocean Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, in the city of Long Branch, N.J.Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners and Dean Marchetto Architects P.C.  are designing this project.“Some surrounding areas in Long Branch are still blighted, but the city is working on several fronts and making redevelopment possible in multiple locations throughout the city,” Dave Minno, a principal with Minno & Wasko, tells MHN.With this summer’s completion of Pier Village’s second phase, which includes a new luxury hotel, apartments and condominiums, this redevelopment project, valued at nearly $100 million, will replace boarded store fronts, abandoned homes and crime-laden streets. The project features approximately 180 condos and 300 apartments. The condos are priced from $300,000 to $500,000.“After two decades of nominal development and economic deprivation, this area was crying out for rehabilitation. Just six years ago, this 16-acre site was a virtual ghost town of dilapidated buildings and abandoned housing,” says Minno. “Now there are jobs at Pier Village. People are making this location a travel destination; they’re shopping and living in an area that was in steep economic and social decline for decades.”Minno & Wasko joined the project in 2004, helping Applied Development Co. close out the first phase of the project, which included 110,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 320 residential units.This second phase features 12,000 sq. ft. of additional retail space and upscale hotel and residential units.“Most of the development in this area in the last 20 or 30 years didn’t really promote quality redevelopment or bring jobs to the area,” notes Minno. “We’re proud to have done both with this project while also getting people excited about the community’s future.”This article first appeared on www.multihousingnews.com, affiliated with Multi-Housing News magazine.