By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
The old LaCosta Lounge is getting a makeover that will be far more extensive than just turning the former landmark nightclub and liquor store into a new bar.
Construction is in the final stages to transform the complex into the new Beach Bar, the Shorebreak Cafe and the Ludlam Hotel for the bustling summer tourism season in Sea Isle City. July 1 is the opening date.
Business partners Christopher Glancey and Bob Morris bought LaCosta for $7.3 million in 2018 with the intention of demolishing it and redeveloping the site into an all-suite hotel, outdoor bar, restaurant and banquet hall.
They later backed away from that project and are now focusing on renovating the LaCosta complex’s existing buildings into the Beach Bar, Shorebreak Cafe and Ludlam Hotel.
John Simoncini, a neighbor who had objected to plans for the all-suite hotel complex, filed a lawsuit that argued the city Zoning Board’s approval for the project was improper. Glancey said he and Morris did not lose the lawsuit, but decided to withdraw their plans for the new hotel.
Meanwhile, the former LaCosta Lounge space remains intact as part of the Beach Bar and is being used for indoor events such as comedy shows until the second phase of construction starts this fall. Glancey said plans are still being discussed for the project, but there is a possibility that the old building may not be demolished after all.
“We probably will be keeping the building,” he said in an interview.
In the meantime, Glancey is awaiting final approval from City Council to transfer LaCosta’s former liquor license to the Beach Bar. A vote is scheduled during a special Council meeting on July 16.
City officials have been debating whether the liquor license is eligible to be grandfathered in at the Beach Bar. The controversy has held up the Beach Bar from serving alcoholic beverages, so at this time it is operating with BYOB dining service.
If the liquor license transfer is approved on July 16, the Beach Bar will begin selling alcohol the following day, Glancey said.
Although the liquor license has been in limbo, construction has continued on a facelift for other parts of the old LaCosta site at the corner of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Landis Avenue, the gateway to Sea Isle’s downtown business district.
The former Casino Pizzeria next to LaCosta Lounge has been converted into a new kitchen for indoor and outdoor dining at the Beach Bar.
In addition, LaCosta’s old liquor store is becoming Shorebreak Cafe, a made-from-scratch bakery where customers will also be able to grab a cup of coffee.
Pastries baked fresh every morning, breakfast sandwiches, salads, wraps and more will be available morning and night. Customers will also be able to top off their evening with a homemade ice cream sundae.
“We want to be your local cafe at any time of day. Take all of your breaks at Shorebreak Cafe or grab something quick on your way to the beach. We pride ourselves on using top-quality ingredients and putting a little bit of love into everything we do,” Shorebreak Cafe said in a news release.
The old LaCosta property also included the three-story Coast Motel, which has now been rebranded as the 30-room Ludlam Hotel as part of its redesign and renovation. The hotel is scheduled to open July 1.
Ludlam Hotel is being marketed as a spot for vacationers who want to take advantage of its location in the heart of downtown and close to the beach. Some of the rooms have private balconies offering views of Sea Isle.
“With its ideal location, welcoming staff, convenience and amenities, the newly remodeled Ludlam Hotel has easy access to everything you need to settle in and relax after enjoying a fun day in Sea Isle City. It is within walking distance to the beach, Promenade, shops, restaurants and entertainment,” a news release says.
Longer-range plans include building a second hotel tower for the Ludlam, Glancey said.
The hotel’s name pays tribute to Sea Isle’s early history. Sea Isle is located on Ludlam Island, which was named after Joseph Ludlam, who bought the land in the late 17th century and used it to graze cows and sheep before Sea Isle City was founded as a beach resort in 1882 by real estate developer Charles K. Landis.
Ludlam Hotel’s location is also full of history. The same corner is where some of Sea Isle’s most iconic businesses once stood, including the former Bellevue Hotel and Cronecker’s Hotel & Restaurant. Cronecker’s was demolished to build the LaCosta.
A fixture in Sea Isle since 1972, LaCosta Lounge established a reputation as one of the best-known bars at the Jersey Shore. The old-school nightclub hosted multiple generations of party-goers for nearly 50 years before closing down in September 2020.
