The property on which a nightclub sat abandoned and deteriorating for nearly seven years before it was condemned a demolished has a future that will see it becoming an anchor of development concepts for the Boulevard business district in Seaside Heights.
In yet another announcement of a major redevelopment project, the property once occupied by the former Merge nightclub will be rejuvenated by the construction of a mixed-use commercial and townhouse complex – representative of the vision for the business district as a whole.
A rendering of the future 300 Boulevard complex in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Courtesy: Mike Loundy)
The former Merge nightclub, part of a three-block area that may be slated for redevelopment in Seaside Heights, NJ. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Demolition of the former Merge nightclub in Seaside Heights, N.J., Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Merge, located at 300 Boulevard, was operated by nightclub owner John Saddy before it closed, with the property eventually being sold to local businessman Robert Bennett. In 2018, the borough council approved a consent order that allowed Bennett to propose a redevelopment plan. Ultimately, he chose to demolish the building, which had been declared a safety hazard by the town. Its sagging roof and hanging wires led to a fence, at one point, being erected around the property to keep out onlookers. Bennett eventually sold the property to developer Mordechai Finkelstein.
Nearly a decade after the nightclub sounded its final last call, the reimagined property, which fronts the boulevard and back up to Franklin Avenue, will be one of the first properties developed under a Boulevard-wide redevelopment concept. The mixed-use building will take its name from its address.
“300 Boulevard will be the first of its kind mixed use Boulevard development is Seaside,” said real estate broker Mike Loundy, who is overseeing the effort. “And it has already been approved by the Seaside Heights mayor and council.”
A rendering of the future 300 Boulevard complex in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Courtesy: Mike Loundy)
A rendering of the future 300 Boulevard complex in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Courtesy: Mike Loundy)
The location of the future 300 Boulevard complex, Seaside Heights, N.J., Dec. 29, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The property will contain 200 feet of retail in the center of town between Franklin and Hamilton avenues, along with townhouses that will feature multiple balconies, including private rooftop decks, Loundy said.
“There will also be at least 10 single-family ocean block homes to its east, all with ocean views,” he added.
A rendering of the future 300 Boulevard complex in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Courtesy: Mike Loundy)
The location of the future 300 Boulevard complex, Seaside Heights, N.J., Dec. 29, 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The 300 Boulevard building will host commercial space on the first floor and townhomes above, including penthouse units with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Loundy said he expects both the commercial and residential units to be available in 2023.
