Ventnor Redevelopment Approved for Former Professional Campus Site

A long-vacant property at Ventnor Avenue and Winchester Avenue is moving toward redevelopment after months of public discussion and formal approvals. City officials have confirmed plans to replace the former Ventnor Professional Campus—an old school building that has sat unused for years—with a new residential and commercial project that aims to balance neighborhood character, parking needs, and walkability.

The redevelopment proposal was discussed publicly at the Ventnor City Commissioners Meeting on January 15, 2026, following earlier Planning Board approvals granted in November. The project represents one of the more significant infill developments Ventnor has seen in recent years, particularly given its central location and proximity to municipal facilities.

What’s Being Built at Ventnor & Winchester

The approved plan calls for 33 new townhomes, a reduction from the 47 units originally permitted by zoning. According to city officials, the developer—DAJ Ventnor LLC—voluntarily reduced density in response to neighborhood feedback during the review process.

Key elements of the project include:

• 33 townhomes, each designed with three bedrooms

• Three off-street parking spaces per unit

• Adaptive reuse of the historic front portion of the former school building for commercial use

• No zoning variances required, as the project complies by-right with current zoning

The adaptive reuse component preserves a recognizable piece of the site while introducing new housing behind it, a design approach that helped address concerns about scale and streetscape continuity along Ventnor Avenue.

Parking, Traffic, and Fire Station Proximity

Parking and traffic were the dominant concerns raised by residents during the January commission meeting. The redevelopment site sits near Ventnor Fire Station No. 1, adding another layer of sensitivity around congestion and access.

City officials emphasized that the inclusion of three off-street spaces per townhouse was intended to minimize spillover parking. Still, commissioners acknowledged that once the homes are occupied, traffic flow will need to be monitored closely.

According to comments made at the meeting, the city may consider:

• Permit parking adjustments

• Updated signage near the site

• Ongoing traffic observation after occupancy

Mayor Tim Kriebel described Ventnor as a “walkable shore community” and noted that the project’s compliance with zoning standards gave the city limited grounds to restrict development beyond operational considerations.

Timeline and Next Steps

While approvals are in place, construction is not immediate. Officials stated that Phase 1 construction is expected to begin by September 2026, pending required state environmental approvals.

If the project proceeds on schedule:

• Initial construction begins: Fall 2026

• First homes projected for completion: Late 2027

Residents should expect additional updates as environmental reviews conclude and construction scheduling becomes more precise.

Why This Project Matters Locally

Ventnor is largely built out, which makes redevelopment of underused properties especially impactful. Projects like this shift how land is used without expanding outward, placing more emphasis on density decisions, parking planning, and compatibility with existing neighborhoods.

“Even when the market shifts, the best spots in town still get attention,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “On the barrier islands, location drives everything, and sites like Ventnor and Winchester don’t come along often.”

From a homeowner perspective, projects near major corridors and municipal facilities tend to draw close scrutiny because they affect daily patterns—traffic, parking, and neighborhood feel—long before they influence broader market dynamics.

What Residents Should Watch For

As construction approaches, nearby homeowners and residents may want to keep an eye on:

• Final environmental approvals and notices

• Temporary traffic or parking changes during construction

• Construction staging locations and access points

The city has indicated that monitoring will continue after completion, particularly during the first year of occupancy.

Common Questions

Will this affect street parking right away?
Not until construction begins. Any temporary changes would be announced in advance by the city.

Is commercial space still part of the plan?
Yes. The front portion of the former school building will be reused for commercial purposes.

Were variances granted for this project?
No. Officials confirmed the redevelopment complies with existing zoning requirements.

Curious how nearby redevelopment projects can affect timing, pricing, or long-term planning for a Ventnor property?

You can call me directly, send a quick message, or visit my contact page to learn more.

Sources: Ventnor City Commission Agenda; Downbeach.com