N.J. Gov. Sherrill touts Atlantic City rebound at new $850,000 townhouses

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The ocean view from the big rooftop deck might be enough to sell it.

But the developer, Brian Zoubek, and the city officials who are betting that Atlantic City can see a resurgence in luxury midtown beach block living brought in Gov. Mikie Sherrill Wednesday for the added push.

“We need projects like this one here in the Orange Loop, brand new townhouses in a vibrant neighborhood, just steps from the beach, views that would cost four or five times as much in other parts of the state,” Sherrill said, on hand to cut the ribbon at the Residences at Orange Loop: a group of 10 luxury townhouses on the Kentucky Avenue beach block.

“We know things have been tough here for a while, and today there’s a sense that new things are possible for this city,” Sherrill said “There’s no shortage of land, there’s no shortage of developers, investors, and as I look around I see incredible potential here.”

One of the townhouses is already under contract, for a reported $850,000, and there’s a buyer close on a second one, Zoubek said.

The current development features white-sided luxury townhouses less than a block from the beach, with expansive rooftop decks, across from the acclaimed restaurant Kelsey’s, and a block from the restaurants, beer hall, coffee, yoga, and cannabis shops of Tennessee, St. James, and New York Avenues (the orange properties from the Monopoly board).

In all, 29 townhouses, each with three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, three car garages and roof decks with ocean views, are planned in Orange Loop, most listing for $699,999. There are also more than 300 more units being developed elsewhere in the Orange Loop and about 1,000 throughout the rest of the city.

The 7-foot-1 Zoubek also commanded the stage. Zoubek hails from Cherry Hill and Haddonfield and may best be known for the NCAA championship he won in 2011 as the starting center for Duke University.

Now, he’s a champion for investing in Atlantic City, where he said there are thousands of homes being built. He noted the storied past of Kentucky Avenue, a former nightlife and entertainment hub that was home to Club Harlem.

“Atlantic City is the last shore community where you can live steps from the beach at an affordable price,” Zoubek said.

He envisioned a neighborhood with “density, restaurants, mixed use affordable living — something no other shore town in South Jersey has."

“The sad reality is that too many can no longer afford to come back and live where we grew up unless you inherit it,” Zoubek said. “Owning a home, let alone a home at the shore, is rapidly becoming a fantasy for younger generations.”

He said he got his start in Atlantic City buying and renovating “Al Capone’s old rum running house on the water over in Gardner’s Basin, thinking it would be my Shore house.”

“As I spent more time in the city, I saw more and more potential and more and more progress,” he said. “The city’s truly poised for a new and exciting chapter.”

Mayor Marty Small said, “It’s my honor to be here on this occasion as we change the narrative in the great city of Atlantic City.”

He said Atlantic City was defying those who said nobody would invest their money in the seashore town and have been predicting its demise.

“This is a great tine to be in Atlantic City,” said Small. “You need to in, not now, but right now. The momentum is at an all-time high.”

Sherrill said she envisioned Atlantic City as being a place with “beach living that’s more budget-friendly, homes where professionals can put down roots, nurses at Atlanticare, engineers at the FAA tech center, small business owners helping to drive the city’s revival. Every family that moves in brings new energy and economic activity.”

Sherrill is touting a statewide housing strategy that will focus on building housing on underutilized land near NJ Transit hubs, protecting affordable housing money, and speeding up permitting and other red tape. She got applause for announcing “a new online dashboard where people can their applications in real time.”

“I know we have a lot of good New Jersey business people when you get a clap for that one.”

She waxed poetic about her visits to Atlantic City, when she would escape the windowless conference rooms and take calls on the boardwalk. “When you’re out there, you feel overwhelmed by the potential of the city. It truly is iconic and special.”