It’s easy to say that, when Kushner finally broke ground last week on a transformative $130 million mixed-use residential and retail development in Long Branch, it was a generation in the making. The project has been discussed for that long.
It may be more accurate to say that, when Kushner broke ground on the project that will include 299 designer rental residences and upscale amenities, along with a highly anticipated SuperFresh grocery market and neighborhood café, it was producing a project that will impact the area for generations to come.
The long-awaited venture is set to be a lynchpin in connecting Lower Broadway to the city’s active beachfront, integrating with Kushner’s vibrant Pier Village oceanfront community, including the Wave Resort & Spa.
Kushner CEO Laurent Morali obviously was thrilled.
“Long Branch has always represented a long-term investment for us,” he said. “This new project reinforces our overarching vision of establishing a thriving year-round destination by introducing premium residential, retail and neighborhood services that support the community throughout every season.”
Located at 118-119 Broadway and expertly designed by Minno + Wasko Architects and Planners, the development will comprise two, four-story buildings with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.
Kushner officials said a rich array of upscale lifestyle amenities and social spaces spanning both properties will complement the residences, including a 1,400-square-foot coworking lounge, fitness center, dedicated yoga room, golf simulator, rooftop terraces with ocean views, social lounges, pet spa, kids’ room, grilling stations, fire pits and an outdoor pool.
Kushner President Nicole Kushner Meyer said the development represents a significant stride in breathing new life into the downtown while underscoring Kushner’s unwavering commitment to the Long Branch community.
“Our focus extends beyond residential development, aiming to transform this underutilized land into new uses that will serve as an extension of Pier Village, including a supermarket catering to the year-round community,” she said.
Although efforts to revitalize Lower Broadway have been in the works for years as part of the city’s Redevelopment Plan, Kushner’s involvement began in September 2022, diligently working with municipal agencies to advance the project.
Michael Sommer, chief development officer of Kushner, expressed excitement.
“We’re thrilled to expand our investment in the city of Long Branch and proud to have successfully propelled this critical project forward,” he said. “The active involvement and guidance from Mayor John Pallone, the city council, the planning board, the city attorney and the city business administrator were all instrumental, and we look forward to delivering another valuable asset to the community.”
State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Ocean Twp.) praised the Kushner team for stepping up to revitalize a neighborhood that hasn’t shared in the investments made along the oceanfront.
“This has been a long time coming,” he said. “This property, as it gets going, is going to play an incredible role in the rest of Long Branch. We’ve seen other communities over the last 20 years — Asbury Park, Red Bank — really progress, and this has been the piece to really unite Long Branch and make sure we can do that. The properties all across here, their values are going to go up because of this.”
Kushner’s latest endeavor in Long Branch reflects the company’s ongoing investment in the city’s positive growth. Since acquiring Pier Village in 2014, Kushner has continually expanded its offerings, which now encompasses 500 luxury apartments, 133,000 square feet of retail and two hotels.
