Despite a wave of rumors and delays, plans to build a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Sea Isle City remain very much alive. Christopher Glancey, the developer behind the project, confirmed that he is still moving forward with his long-envisioned upscale hotel at the site formerly occupied by The Ludlam Hotel.
The 1.2-acre lot, located at the corner of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Landis Avenue, currently sits empty and fenced off, awaiting the green light from the Cape May County planning board. Once final approval is secured—possibly later this summer—Glancey expects construction to begin either in the fall or by spring 2026. The estimated timeline for completion is approximately 24 months, putting the anticipated opening date in summer 2028.
“This is a complicated project,” Glancey said. “But we’re moving forward. It’s not for sale, and there are no other plans for the site.”
The boutique hotel, named The Ludlam, is slated to feature 26 hotel suites, 20 private residential units, a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a small bakery. Hotel guests will also have access to a second-floor swimming pool. Though the development cost remains undisclosed, the project is expected to significantly enhance the downtown area and boost tourism in Sea Isle.
Glancey brushed off recent speculation that the land might be sold or turned into something unexpected—like a Wawa convenience store or even an amusement park. “The rumor mill is hilarious,” he said, laughing. “I have no intention of operating rides.”
Sea Isle City’s economy, heavily reliant on seasonal tourism, could benefit greatly from the addition of a boutique hotel designed to attract a more upscale clientele. Glancey believes this project will serve as a vital anchor for the city’s downtown and a magnet for both new and returning visitors.
“This town needs visitors to survive,” he noted. “If you don’t have visitors, businesses can’t survive.”
The history of the site is rich with iconic Sea Isle landmarks. Before The Ludlam Hotel and bar, the location was home to the legendary LaCosta Lounge, a nightlife staple dating back to the early 1970s. The LaCosta Lounge itself stood on the grounds of even older establishments, including the Bellevue Hotel and Cronecker’s Hotel & Restaurant from the late 1800s.
Glancey and business partner Bob Morris purchased the LaCosta property in 2018 for $7.3 million. Initially planning a boutique hotel at the time, they instead opted to renovate and rebrand the site as The Ludlam bar, restaurant, and hotel complex—operating it for several years before demolishing the structure in October 2024.
As summer 2025 kicks off, the site remains cleared and presentable, though progress is temporarily stalled. Glancey is optimistic that the final planning hurdle will be crossed soon, ushering in the next phase of a project that could reshape Sea Isle’s hospitality scene.
Until then, the fence stays up, the land stays empty, and the vision for The Ludlam lives on—despite what the rumor mill may say.
