Dignitaries Attend Groundbreaking of South Beach At Long Branch Symbolizing Development’s Importance for Revitalization of City’s Shoreline
(L-R): Serena DiMaso, Esq., Freeholder, Deputy Director; Mimi Feliciano, Co-founder/CEO FEM Real Estate; Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno; Edwin Feliciano, Co-founder/Co-owner FEM Real Estate; Mayor Adam Schneider of Long Branch, N.J.,; Senator Jennifer Beck; Brian Stolar, Founder/President/CEO The Pinnacle Companies
Set against a backdrop of lush palm trees, tropical breezes and the beauty of New Jersey’s shoreline, FEM South Beach Urban Renewal, LLC, held its official groundbreaking of South Beach at Long Branch. The mid-summer ceremony featured the development team, as well as state, county and local dignitaries including Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Senator Jennifer Beck and Mayor Adam Schneider, all of whom are Monmouth County residents. Their attendance signified the instrumental role South Beach at Long Branch plays in redefining the burgeoning city.
The 47-unit upscale mid-rise will feature a new level of oceanfront luxury living, inspired by the flair of South Beach, Miami, as well as the newest architectural features that have marked the renaissance of Long Branch during the past decade. South Beach at Long Branch is rising on 1.69 acres on Ocean Avenue along North Bath Street. The property is also “high and dry,” with the average finished grade 25 feet above sea level.
The strong collaboration between FEM and the City of Long Branch, to make this project possible is a model for other municipalities to adopt in Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey in their own revitalization efforts.
Political Dignitaries and Developers Address Approximately 100 Guests
“Luxury living is here to stay in Long Branch,” stated Mimi Feliciano, CEO and founder of FEM Real Estate. “We chose this city because of its proximity to North Jersey and New York City and the exciting lifestyle it offers residents. From great dining, to exciting nightlife, engaging family activities and more, there is always something to do here. With this in mind, we built the dream of edgy and classy South Beach at Long Branch for buyers to gather with family and friends in an ideal setting. It took three years and grew from an initial 11-unit design to 47 fabulous residences.”
“Today I am known as Mr. South Beach,” added Mimi’s husband and FEM co-founder Edwin Feliciano. “I grew up at the shore, and I never dreamed of building our own house oceanfront. But South Beach at Long Branch is even more than oceanfront -- it is skyline-front with sunrise and sunset views. And this project will create a domino effect creating new jobs and attracting year-round residents.”
Brian M. Stolar, President and CEO of the Pinnacle Companies, also participated, noting: “This is a special, residential-building, offering a level of luxurious amenities and lifestyle unlike anywhere else on the entire New Jersey shore,” he said. “Pinnacle only gets involved in very special projects, and I am excited to be working with the FEM development group to bring this fabulous project to reality.”
“I am here on behalf of the State of New Jersey representing 18 towns in Monmouth County,” noted Senator Jennifer Beck. “We have it all . . . the beauty of the Jersey shore; a county park system second to none; easy access to Manhattan by ferry or train, and we are within driving distance to the best ski resorts. This is the jewel of New Jersey, and we are fortunate to have visionary people like Mimi and Edwin Feliciano come to our County. They came here and absorbed the energy of the Jersey shore and are now partnering with Mayor Adam Schneider and the City of Long Branch to make this South-Beach inspired dream a reality.”
“Mayor Adam Schneider has led urban development in Long Branch not just in the recent history but for several decades now,” the Senator added. “He is a legend, who is able to envision a future that is quite different from the way it exists today. As a matter of fact, we just declared Long Branch a transit village.”
Long Branch’s City Council approved an application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for a transit village destination. The designation means Long Branch will redesign the train station area and its surrounding land with higher levels of residential and commercial development. Enhancements will create a richer urban core for the City, encouraging increased commuting to and from Manhattan, Monmouth Medical Center, and, oceanfront developments.
“The Mayor and Council are a great team, they are willing to think a little out the box, and support the development of the City - that puts them a little ahead of the curve,” continued Senator Jennifer Beck. “I believe that’s what South Beach at Long Branch is - the allure of South Beach with elements of the Jersey Shore.”
“Mimi and Edwin are trail blazers, they are spearheading beachfront development in the Southern oceanfront section of Long Branch,” said Mayor Adam Schneider.
“There are no truer believers (in the potential of this area) than Mimi and Ed Feliciano, who give back more than they get,” stated Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. The Governor acknowledged the developers for going beyond their core business to support the states’ hospitals and universities: In 2014, Mimi and Edwin founded Montclair State University’s Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship, and in 2015 the business school was renamed The Feliciano School of Business.
“That’s how much they give back to their community,” the Lt. Governor said. “So while this is a commercial event, understand that when Mimi and Ed move into a neighborhood, it is enhanced in ways you have yet to see. We will make an investment in FEM to make sure the job is on-time and on-budget.”
Two Eight-Story Buildings will Incorporate a Host of Unique Amenities
When completed in early 2018, South Beach at Long Branch will consist of two eight-story towers connected by a plaza level with the following residential features: ocean views with glass exterior walls, some with three-sided panoramas; elevators designed to open directly into nearly all of the units, and private decks with outdoor fireplaces. Additionally, many of the ground-floor residences will include private backyards and garden terraces. Individuals will choose from two-to four-bedroom condominiums ranging from 1,380 to 3,000 square feet, and an optional den that converts to an additional bedroom.
South Beach building amenities will feature an infinity saltwater pool; a fitness facility; a business conference center; virtual in-person concierge; a great room for private parties, private dining with a commercial kitchen, an outdoor patio for entertaining; seasonal valet parking; underground parking spaces for two to three cars per unit; personal garage storage; convenient beach access with cabana rental and storage; and a pet friendly environment.
A major step in Long Branch’s ongoing redevelopment, South Beach at Long Branch is situated on the southernmost point of the Beachfront South redevelopment area, less than a quarter of a mile from Pier Village, and just 7.4 miles from Exit 105 of the Garden State Parkway. The property also benefits from public transportation as the New Jersey Train Station is less than a mile from the site and a ferry station is located just over 8 miles from the residential development.
