Protect Our History. Preserve Our Waterfront. Save the Casino.

We call on the City of Asbury Park, Madison Marquette, and all relevant preservation authorities to immediately halt any demolition efforts targeting the historic Casino Breezeway at 700 Ocean Avenue.

The Asbury Park Casino Breezeway is not just a structure — it is a living piece of our city’s cultural, architectural, and artistic heritage.

Built in 1929 and designed by renowned architects Warren and Wetmore (the firm behind Convention Hall), the Casino complex has served generations of residents, artists, musicians, and visitors. From amusements and flea markets to skate culture and local art installations, the breezeway has remained a defining thread in Asbury Park’s story—anchoring the city both physically and culturally.

What's Going On?

• The breezeway is being labeled an “unsafe structure” after years of documented neglect, placing it at imminent risk of demolition.
• The property owner and developer, Madison Marquette, entered into a redevelopment agreement with the City in 2010 that included commitments to preserve and maintain historic waterfront structures.
• The current condition of the building reflects demolition by neglect, not unavoidable structural failure.
• The City of Asbury Park has already opposed the demolition permit and formally required a certified structural engineer’s report to explore repair options instead of destruction.
• Demolition would permanently erase one of Asbury Park’s last remaining historic boardwalk structures — a loss that cannot be undone.

Why This Matters

This Casino is more than steel and stone. It is memory. It is identity. It is history. It is community. And once it is gone, it is gone forever. This is unacceptable to our community.

Our Demands
We urgently demand the following actions:

• Immediate halt to any demolition discussion or related proceedings involving the Casino Breezeway.
• Independent structural assessment by a certified structural engineer focused on repair, stabilization, and preservation — not demolition.
• Full transparency from Madison Marquette regarding maintenance records, structural evaluations, and redevelopment intentions.
• Enforcement of the 2010 redevelopment agreement, including historic preservation obligations.
• A community-centered preservation plan that prioritizes restoration, adaptive reuse, and public access.

Our Vision
We believe the Casino Breezeway can be:

• A restored historic landmark
• A public art and performance space
• A preserved piece of Asbury Park’s soul
• A symbol of responsible redevelopment
• A cultural corridor connecting communities

Call to Action
We urge city officials, preservation agencies, residents, artists, historians, business owners, and visitors to stand together and demand preservation over destruction.

Save the Casino Breezeway. Save Asbury Park’s history. Save our legacy.

 

 

 

 

 

Video Credit: Steve Stanger