Ventnor’s $7.1 Million Boardwalk Reconstruction Begins This November

The Ventnor City Boardwalk—stretching from Jackson Avenue to Cambridge Avenue—will soon see its most significant rebuild in decades. City officials confirmed that work officially begins on or about November 3, 2025, following the award of a $7.1 million state Boardwalk Preservation grant. The long-awaited project replaces weather-worn decking with new lumber, upgrades lighting and railings, and adds six refreshed pavilions plus ADA-accessible ramps.

What the Project Covers

According to the city’s announcement, demolition crews will start near Suffolk Avenue and proceed south toward Cambridge Avenue through spring 2026, then return north from Suffolk to Jackson Avenue in late 2026

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. Each section will be closed temporarily, including beach entrances near Surrey Avenue, to ensure public safety.

The contractor, Fred Schiavone Construction, specializes in large-scale marine infrastructure and has worked on neighboring shore towns’ promenades. Ventnor’s Public Works Department says the replacement will use pressure-treated wood decking designed to better withstand coastal salt exposure while retaining the traditional look that residents value.

A Step Toward Long-Term Resilience

Ventnor’s Boardwalk is more than a walkway—it’s part of the Downbeach identity. Decades of storms and constant use have left it in need of full replacement rather than piecemeal repair. The grant from New Jersey’s Boardwalk Preservation Fund covers nearly the entire cost, allowing the city to complete the overhaul without major new debt.

City Engineer Ed Stinson noted during council discussions that replacing the foundation pilings now, rather than waiting, will save millions later. Reinforced substructure beams will help extend the life of the rebuilt promenade to an expected 30-year cycle.

Impact on Residents and Visitors

Sections of the walkway between Suffolk and Cambridge will be inaccessible through early 2026. Nearby homeowners may see temporary staging zones or limited street parking while equipment moves in. Businesses near Ventnor Avenue can still expect steady winter foot traffic, but most evening joggers and cyclists will need to detour onto Atlantic Avenue.

The city emphasized that summer 2026 access will return in time for the main tourism season—welcome news for rental owners who rely on foot traffic and for buyers evaluating Ventnor’s ongoing investment in infrastructure.

Why It Matters for Property Owners

Public infrastructure directly affects property perception, particularly along the shore. A smooth, well-lit, ADA-accessible boardwalk improves both neighborhood safety and long-term desirability. Homeowners near the construction corridor could see short-term inconvenience but long-term gains in value once the project is complete.

“Even when the market shifts, the best spots in town still get attention,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “For Ventnor, a new boardwalk reinforces that you’re buying into a community that invests in itself.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction end? Phase 1 finishes spring 2026; Phase 2 wraps by winter 2026.

Will the entire boardwalk close? No — closures rotate by block segment.

Who is performing the work? Fred Schiavone Construction under city contract.

Will beach access return by summer 2026? Yes — Ventnor officials expect a grand re-opening in time for the season.

Why It Matters

Upgrading Ventnor’s boardwalk isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it anchors local real estate confidence. Buyers and investors tracking Downbeach communities see public works as a signal of long-term stability. As Mike Sutley notes, Ventnor offers a rare balance of historic architecture and active civic improvement—attributes that help its market stay resilient year after year.

Sources: Ventnor City official release (ventnorcity.org); Press of Atlantic City; Downbeach Buzz news posts November 2025

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