ASBURY PARK, NJ—As part of master developer’s iStar multibillion-dollar redevelopment plan on the Asbury Park waterfront, The Asbury, a 110-room hotel situated inside a derelict Salvation Army building, will open in May 2016. The project is a collaboration between David Bowd of Salt Hotels, and Anda Andrei, creative lead of the entire redevelopment project.
“This historic building is a beautiful blank canvas for us to create a special place that adds to the unique spirit of Asbury Park,” said Andrei, who selected architects, designers and Bowd to bring the project to life. “I love collaborating with immense talent, and knew instinctively David had to be involved. He has a wonderful gift for connecting the hospitality experience with one-of-a-kind communities and we bring out the very best in one another.”
Bowd, who will program and manage The Asbury, agreed. “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. 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,” he said.
Inside The Asbury, the front desk and check-in will double as The Counter, a grab-and-go kitchen where guests can retrieve keys, order coffee or make a purchase from the retail store. A ground-floor lounge will become Asbury Park’s recreation room, with Ping-Pong, pinball machines, board games and a communal table.
The 110 guestrooms will come in a range of sizes, from queen rooms and king rooms to family rooms and suites to bunk rooms that can sleep up to eight. Black-and-white beach and music scenes will adorn the walls, along with classic music posters that reflect Asbury Park’s rock-laden past and seaside views.