Greetings from Asbury Park {Homes I Love}

Convention Hall

 Developed in 1871 as a resort town, Asbury Park was coined "Country by the Sea".  During it's heyday it was known for its boardwalk, the famous Palace Amusements and its victorian architecture.

Over time, with new transportation options and suburban sprawl, Asbury Park began to experience urban blight.  As a teenager in the 80's/90's, I wouldn't have driven through town alone and never at night.  The town was dangerous and depressed.  Stores were boarded up, streets were filthy, there were multiples crackhouses and a hooker or two. When I was around 11 (1984), a friend of our family took me to a shop that specifically made and sold nutcrackers.  With the exception of a quick mart and a bail bondsman, it was the only shop on that block.  I still remember the pleasant smell of that store and it's beautiful creations.  I am sure the town still contained a tailor, a watchmaker, a cobbler, etc.., but they were scattered and probably on the verge of closing their doors.

But over the last 10 years or so, there has been economic & cultural revival.  Homes were bought & restored, realistic businesses were developed and the town has returned to its former status as a good time!  The restaurants, clubs, shops, fortune tellers, bars, roller derby, gay pride weekends, music festivals, B&B's and boutique hotels are supporting Asbury Parks revitalization.  

 Sooooo for this edition of Homes I Love I chose a loft-style condo to showcase

Beautiful, isn't it?  Looks kinda LA-ish to me.  Refreshing for our area

Modern, updated kitchen.

Wide open space.  Love the painted tile ceiling and wrought iron

View from above overlooking the awesome arched windows

I'm thinking its being used currently commercially...A shrink perhaps?

Grand spaces in a condo...only 2 block from Beach & Boardwalk

Secret Garden...tons of potential

From the Realtor:  A Great Condo Alternative - Spectacular Deco Loft Home.1550+ Sq. Ft. of Live/Work space 2 blocks from Beach & Downtown. 13 ft. Tin Ceilings, Hardwood Floors, Granite & SS Appliances, first class renovation retaining incredible original details. Built for possible 2nd floor expansion, which will give you great views! Parking for 2 cars, Beautiful Private Garden, super low taxes & no condo fees! Manhattan living on the Jersey Shore. A truly one of a kind property for the most discerning buyer. 

The place goes for $440K.  If I won the lottery, I'd open up a sweet design shop and have access to all the fabulousness in Asbury {Including random sightings of Bruce and Jon} like...

 The Watermark ~ A premier beach club on the Ocean. http://www.watermarkap.com/home.html

Strolling the quirky boards or taking in some live music at The Wonder Bar: http://www.wonderbarasburypark.com/ marvelous venue that also offers a Yappy Hours for your pups multiple times per week.

Thanks for taking my tour of Asbury and visiting!