Third, and Final, Phase of Jersey Shore’s Premier Mixed-Use Destination to Be Complete in Q1 2020

Kushner Companies (Kushner) today announced they have tapped RIPCO Real Estate (RIPCO) to oversee leasing and marketing for 40,000 square feet of retail space at Pier Village, the Jersey Shore’s vibrant oceanfront mixed-use complex located in Long Branch. RIPCO’s Michael Rawlins and Alison Horbach will oversee efforts alongside Kushner’s Max Swerdloff for the development’s third and final phase, which is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2020.

“In a little over a decade, Long Branch has transformed from being primarily a summer getaway to a year-round destination, thanks in large part to Pier Village. As our third phase nears completion, we look back with pride at how this community has evolved into a must visit, live and play place. We’re confident that we will attract a group of retailers that will excite locals and visitors alike,” said Mr. Swerdloff.

Together, the team will look to expand Pier Village’s retail offerings, bringing together lifestyle, fitness and F&B operators to join existing tenants that include Lululemon, Avenue Le Club, McLoone’s Pier House, Playa Bowls, Charleston Shoe Company and others.

“Today, consumers are looking for connectivity and engagement, specifically in the retail sector where curating a roster of brands is both a science and an art. The opportunity, afforded to RIPCO by Kushner, to lease and market the final phase of Pier Village allows us to leverage our deep market knowledge and industry relationships to put the final piece of this puzzle together in a thoughtful and strategic manner,” said Mr. Rawlins. “Most of the available space is oceanfront, which provides tenants and their customers with sweeping beach and ocean views throughout the year.”

Pier Village is one of Long Branch’s most upscale residential communities with a thriving retail center that’s home to over 30 restaurants, shops and services as well as public events including holiday ice-skating. Other aspects of the community include the 67-key, newly opened boutique luxury Wave Resort and 492 luxurious, oceanfront rental apartments. In addition to the available retail space, phase III also includes a 109-key, under-development hotel with an indoor/outdoor pool and members-only club and a 245-unit, under-construction, oceanfront condominium. Phase III construction is expected to wrap Q1 2020 when the space will be delivered vacant to tenants. While retailers can sign leases now, occupancy will begin in spring and summer of 2020.

In June and July 2019, Long Branch had 1.3 million visitors and $2 million in beach badge sales, according to RIPCO data. Currently, there are 448 hotel keys in Long Branch with 1,420 new residential units in development. Additionally, the Whitechapel Projects beer hall, near Pier Village, is an art gallery and brewery that has become a local cultural staple.

Pier Village is one hour by car from New York City via exit 105 on Garden State Parkway South; 72 minutes by NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Long Branch; and 50 minutes by Seastreak ferry from New York’s Wall Street to Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Pier Village is 90 minutes from Philadelphia by car via I-95 N and I-195 E.

For Pier Village leasing opportunities, contact Michael Rawlins at mrawlins@ripcony.com, Alison Horbach at ahorbach@ripconj.com and Max Swerdloff at mswerdloff@kushner.com

About Kushner Companies

Kushner is a diversified real estate organization responsible for the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of properties throughout the country. We continue to aspire to be the best developer, partner, operator, and lender in the industry. Our mission is to provide our tenants with productive, efficient, and state-of-the-art environments. Investment decisions are based on our successful experiences in the past, and more importantly, our vision for the future.

About RIPCO Real Estate

RIPCO Real Estate, founded in 1991, is the premier retail brokerage firm in the New York metropolitan area. The firm has leased millions of square feet of retail space on behalf of major landlords and developers, as well as nationally and internationally renowned retailers. RIPCO prides itself on local market expertise with a national reach and employs approximately 70 brokers across offices in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut.