When Asbury Park's first new hotel in more 50 years opens in 2016, it could set a new standard for beach hotels on the Jersey Shore.
ASBURY PARK - When the city's first new hotel in more than a half century opens in 2016, it could set a new standard for beach hotels on the Jersey Shore.
Work is steadily progressing to turn the derelict seven-story brick former Salvation Army building on Fifth Avenue into The Asbury Hotel, a 110-room boutique hotel complete with an outdoor swimming pool, bars and event facilities.
On Monday, however, the developer iStar - which is reportedly pouring $30 million into the building - announced a host of additional planned amenities that would set The Asbury Hotel apart from most other Jersey Shore hotels.
A rendering of how a proposed boutique hotel in Asbury Park will look. (Courtesy of iStar) RELATED: Boutique hotel proposed for Asbury Salvation Army building
From the instant guests step inside The Asbury, they will be greeted by a rec room and also a front desk that will serve as both a check-in counter and a grab-and-go kitchen where guests can get keys, order coffee, or buy something from the retail store.
The guest rooms - which are expect to start at $125 a night and will range from queen and king rooms to family rooms and suites- will have black-and-white beach and music scenes adorning the walls, as well as sea-side views and classic music posters reflecting Asbury Park's rich rock-n-roll history.
The Asbury will also feature:
- A rooftop garden inspired by Central Park's Great Lawn, featuring ocean views, oversized games and paddling pools. At night, the space will transform into a carless "drive-in" projecting classic and cult films on a 20-foot wall.
- A pool that will be open to the public on Sundays for pool parties featuring local DJs and specialty cocktails.
- A "beer garden" next to the outdoor pool where food and beer trucks will serve street food, craft and local beers, and signature drinks.
- A 4,000-square-foot lounge on the hotel's upper roof that will be designed in black and white and be lit only by candles and lanterns. It will include beds and lounge areas, as well as nightly performances by local DJs and celebrity artists.
- A casual lobby bar, called Soundbooth, where guests can enjoy cocktails, games and nighttime music sets.
- A 4,800-square-foot indoor/outdoor event center that can be divided into two or three smaller spaces, social and corporate gatherings of all sizes.
iStar is working with noted design firm Stonehill & Taylor, a Manhattan-based architectural firm, to renovate the building.
"This historic building is a beautiful blank canvas for us to create a special place that adds to the unique spirit of Asbury Park," Anda Andrei, iStar's Creative Lead for its entire Asbury Park redevelopment project, said in a release.
Hotel operator David Bowd, known for creating the Salt Hotels brand, will program and manage The Asbury Hotel.
"We have spent a great deal of time in Asbury Park and have completely fallen under its spell. The Asbury is our labor of love," Bowd said in a release. "The end result will be a collection of rooms, amenities and experiences that show the world that The Asbury is for all kinds of people, just like Asbury Park itself - the mix is what creates a sense of fun and adventure."
The Asbury Hotel, which is located two blocks from the city's famous boardwalk, is currently scheduled to open by the summer of 2016.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.