Luxury Townhomes And Condominiums Taking Shape At Wesley Grove At Asbury Park

Fall ’06 Occupancy Expected for Westminster Communities’ Shorefront Project

ASBURY PARK, N.J., March 10, 2006 – On a site surrounded by spectacular views of Asbury Park’s renowned boardwalk, the shimmering waters of Wesley Lake, and the City’s thriving downtown area, a new luxury residential community is emerging, known as Wesley Grove at Asbury Park.

Construction of Wesley Grove’s first residential complex, The St. James, is progressing quickly. More than 40 percent of the 30 townhomes and 61 duplex and condominium units have already been sold, and the first occupants are expected to move in by early fall 2006.

“The uniqueness of our location is one of the points cited by many of our buyers,” said Sam Gershwin, president of Westminster Communities, developer of the project. “We are just steps from Asbury Park’s downtown shopping area, with its eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. The train station is just minutes away. And, of course, it is only a short walk to the boardwalk and the beach.”

Finished in brick, stucco and glass, The St. James steps down from four stories at its front along Cookman Avenue to two stories along Lake Avenue. Its appealing architecture incorporates elements of both the Arts and Crafts and Victorian style that characterize Asbury Park and neighboring Ocean Grove.

Westminster Communities has also received planning approval for 55 additional units in the project’s Phase I and is currently working on the design and approval process for 300 units in Phase II across the street. This Phase II construction will step down from eight stories to four and include penthouses with spectacular water views. In addition, it will also feature a separate structure housing a state-of-the-art health club with swimming pool. Ultimately, Wesley Grove will encompass approximately 750 homes and 35,000 square feet of retail space in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood of Victorian homes and turn-of-the-century architecture, in the heart of this historic “City by the Sea.”

Nostalgia Combined with Luxury
Wesley Grove at Asbury Park is part of the 56-acre Oceanfront Asbury redevelopment project, a keystone of the revitalization of this renowned resort town. “People want to be a part of the City’s rebirth, and what better way to do that than to buy a home here,” said Gershwin. “They have fond memories of the swan boats on Wesley Lake, the old Carousel, the sparkling sandy beaches and concerts by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and James Brown. Buying here enables them to rekindle the experiences of their youth.”

The Sales Center for Wesley Grove at Asbury Park, located at 600 Cookman Avenue in the downtown Press Plaza, envelops visitors in this seaside experience and the luxury offered by the newly emerging community. A virtual reality DVD presentation speaks of the City’s past and the future lifestyle available at Wesley Grove at Asbury Park. It also includes a scale model of the first building and replicas of a high-tech kitchen and bath featured in the residences.

The townhomes in Phase I offer approximately 2,200 to 2,400 square feet of living and entertaining space , which includes spacious loft and rooftop terrace areas. Residences feature private garages, and several also offer private gardens, decks and balconies. The condominiums and duplexes average more than 1,800 square feet, some with walkout balconies and roof terraces.

“We are very excited by the progress at Wesley Grove at Asbury Park and the public response to this community,” noted Sam Gershwin, president of Westminster Communities, developer of the project. “It won’t be long before this once-empty site will be alive with residents enjoying the beauty of the Jersey Shore and the luxurious lifestyle that is emerging there.”