Part One - From California to the beaches of New Jersey - the story behind One Ocean Boulevard

Part One of a Two Part Series:

The Story of One Ocean Boulevard

 
It's interesting to hear the story of how a place, a time and a love of surfing evolved into creating the landmark building, One Ocean Boulevard. This unique building in Seaside Heights, New Jersey has the persona and the style of two of the east and west coast's popular resort empires.

So, it's not surprising to learn that John Hale, one of the partners of One Ocean Boulevard, LLC was born in Coronado, California, in close proximity to the Hotel del Coronado with its white façade topped with its blazing red roof.

Even so, when John's family moved to Connecticut, he brought with him a love of Spanish influenced architecture and his passion for the surfing life.

Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado
 

But it's hard if not impossible to surf along the shores of Long Island Sound. Luckily for John, his family moved close to one of the best surfing spots at the Jersey Shore in Seaside Heights. John says that "I spent many enjoyable days at the beach, body surfing and riding waves on canvas surf mats. Had my first experience riding a surfboard when I was 12 and surfing instantly became a passion."

Many say that the 1960's was the zenith of the classic long board era. John remembers that "The highlight of the summer was having a bird’s eye view of the East Coast Surfing Championships that were held by Casino Pier, directly in front of the arcade I worked in.." and that "this contest drew the best surfers from around the world directly to Seaside Heights to compete. There were ground swell conditions and off-shore winds for the entire contest that lasted for several days."

You would think that ideal conditions for surfing were only found in California. But John remarks, "Here in New Jersey the conditions were perfect for classic long board hot-dogging: chest-to-shoulder high, clean and glassy, razor-edge waves.

It was incredible to witness this event from such a close vantage point and watch the iconic surfers, whom I had seen in magazines demonstrate their mastery of the art of classic long board surfing; trimming, stalling, drop-knee turning, walking, and nose riding. Needless to say, this produced a high level of stoke for all!

During his teens and twenties, John enjoyed summer and the surfing life at Seaside Heights. Like so many past and present residents of the area, John spent his time as a lifeguard and worked at the amusement rides.

Forty years later, John's life was firmly entrenched in family, work and life in the Jersey Shore. Yet, the influence of California's beaches, its architecture and then a visit to Disney's Grande Floridian Hotel eventually led to the concept and then the beginning of the landmark condominium, One Ocean Boulevard.

The story continues in Part Two...

ONE OCEAN BOULEVARD 
Seaside Heights, New Jersey's

 Landmark Luxury Condominium

 

ONE OCEAN BOULEVARD
1 Boulevard and Porter Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ
Visit our website at:  http://www.oneoceanblvd.com

To schedule an appointment to see One Ocean Boulevard

 

Call James Anzano at: 908 330-1446

Email: JAnzano@Glendenning.com