Madison Marquette’s Redevelopment Picks Up Steam

Asbury Park

Madison Marquette’s Redevelopment Picks Up Steam

Behind-The-Scenes Spending Helps Secure Refurbishment of AP Boardwalk Properties

By Michelle Gladden

While much of the redevelopment spotlight has been on the changes we can see along the Asbury Park boardwalk, it’s the millions invested behind the scenes that will secure longevity.

“Design and engineering teams are currently working not only to protect and restore these historic icons but to actively reimagine and further expand the uses,” Project Director George Ladyman Jr [at right] said. “A significant portion of this work is behind the scenes and never seen, but is essential in enabling us to deliver greater depth and quality of experience.”

On the cusp of their multi-year extended contract with concert promoter Live Nation and a partnership with Newark-based New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which will expand entertainment, shows and arts education, behind-the-scenes upgrades picked up steam at Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre.

This week the boardwalk redeveloper launched its $750,000 repair project at the historic Ocean Avenue structure built in 1929 by Warren & Wetmore.

And while the stolen copper panel were never recovered the City and State closed the case in 2015, Madison is moving ahead with a comprehensive façade restoration plan that will kick off in the spring, Madison’s Development Director Kevin Patterson said.

“The project will proceed during temperate off-season months for the next three years,” Patterson said. “Masonry will be removed, structural repairs will be implemented and the façade will be restored. This restoration/preservation exercise will work its way around the building one structural bay at a time. Once the steel and masonry repairs have been addressed, panels to replace the original copper panels will be placed back on the building.”

A team of nine New Jersey-based contractors will work with construction manager Torcon of Red Bank, architect Lan Associates of Midland Park and roofer Pravco of Raway.

Located at 1300 Ocean Avenue, the current work includes masonry waterproofing and repairs to the full circumference of flag tower base and the removal and replacement of the entire upper Paramount Theatre roof, spokesman Adam Nelson said.

: Third Avenue Pavilion

: Fourth Avenue Pavilion

: Sunset Avenue Pavilion

Madison Marquette began redevelopment of its 80,000 square feet of boardwalk properties in 2008.

Now deemed complete are its First and Third Avenue pavilions, with the Fourth and Fifth Avenue pavilions set for completion by the summer. The redeveloper moved its offices to the iconic structure and redesigned Convention Hall’s Dressing Rooms and transformed the Upper Deck into an indoor shuffleboard offering.

“Infrastructural improvements are rarely noticed by casual visitors, but they comprise the groundwork for the restoration of this grand edifice,” Patterson said. “These upgrades impact the reliability of the building’s systems and ultimately insure that the renovated result will not only look great, but will function elegantly and efficiently.”