Ventnor is preparing for a major transformation at the long-vacant Ventnor West School property at 6601 Ventnor Avenue, a site that has stood largely unused for decades. On November 18, the Ventnor Planning Board granted both preliminary and final site plan approval for a redevelopment project that will replace the vacant 2.3-acre parcel—most recently known as the “Ventnor Professional Campus”—with 33 townhomes and a renovated commercial building. This approval marks a significant milestone for the long-debated property and sets the stage for a redevelopment that has been in discussion for years

The project, led by DAJ Ventures, reduces the original 46-unit allowance to 33 townhomes in order to preserve the historic façade of the original 100-year-old school building. Rather than demolish the entire structure, the developer agreed to reconstruct and repurpose the preserved front façade as a new commercial space. This compromise—preserving a piece of Ventnor’s architectural history while creating new residential inventory—was a key factor in the Planning Board’s decision.

A Redevelopment Years in the Making

Residents familiar with the stretch of Ventnor Avenue between Sacramento and Victoria Avenues know the site well. The long-idle building had become a visual reminder of delayed progress, sitting behind a chain-link fence and showing signs of decay. The new plan replaces the deteriorating campus with a modern residential enclave centered around three-bedroom townhomes designed for contemporary living.

According to reporting, the project includes:

• 33 townhomes built behind the preserved façade

• A newly renovated commercial space

• Full demolition of the remaining building sections

• A site plan intended to improve neighborhood aesthetics

While the original redevelopment allowances permitted up to 46 units, the developer’s decision to scale back by roughly 28% reflects the city’s desire to balance density with preservation.

Local Concerns and Community Feedback

As with any significant development, concerns surfaced during the Planning Board hearing. Several residents raised questions about:

• Density

• Parking availability

• Storm-water management

• Construction impact on nearby homes

A paraphrased local-voice detail from the hearing reports noted:
According to comments shared during the Planning Board session, residents were especially concerned about how additional traffic and parking demand might affect the surrounding blocks near Ventnor Avenue and Victoria Avenue.

These issues reflect broader concerns common to redevelopment in long-established Downbeach neighborhoods. Ventnor, like Margate and Longport, has limited land available, and residents are increasingly alert to how new construction affects everyday life—street parking, storm water flow, and summer traffic patterns.

What the Townhomes Could Mean for Buyers and Neighbors

Three-bedroom townhomes in Ventnor have gained traction over the last several years, particularly among buyers looking for year-round living or a second home with low maintenance. Market estimates referenced during the hearing suggest that each townhome could list near the $800,000 range, depending on finishes and market conditions.

As a local agent, I’ve seen growing interest in Ventnor’s residential corridors near Ventnor Avenue and Wellington Avenue, especially from buyers who want walkability to the beach, the boardwalk, and the business district. Townhome developments like this often appeal to those seeking modern layouts with fewer maintenance demands than older homes.— Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group

Preserving the School Façade

One of the distinguishing elements of this redevelopment is the commitment to retaining and restoring the original school building’s façade. For long-time Ventnor residents, the structure holds historical significance. By preserving the front, the project avoids a complete teardown and instead integrates a familiar architectural feature into a new mixed-use design.

This approach offers several benefits:

• Maintains a recognizable landmark

• Reduces project massing at the street

• Aligns with local cultural and historic preservation sentiment

• Supports a more visually cohesive streetscape along Ventnor Avenue

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Even with Planning Board approval, the project must still clear state-level requirements. According to the reporting, the development requires approval from CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act), which oversees environmental compliance for projects within New Jersey’s coastal zone.

For neighbors living near Sacramento Avenue and the adjacent blocks, this means construction will not begin immediately. However, once CAFRA approval is granted and demolition begins, residents can expect the redevelopment to take approximately 18–24 months, based on official estimates referenced in the hearing.

What Nearby Homeowners Should Watch For

Redevelopment at this scale brings several considerations for homeowners:

• Temporary construction traffic along Ventnor Avenue

• Equipment staging near the school site

• Intermittent road closures or lane shifts

• Noise and dust during demolition

• Future changes to neighborhood parking patterns

While these disruptions are part of most urban redevelopment projects, Ventnor’s leadership emphasized that the long-term benefits—more housing options, a renewed streetscape, and activation of a dormant property—outweigh short-term inconveniences.

Why It Matters

This redevelopment holds particular relevance for Ventnor’s housing supply. A 33-unit townhome project introduces a meaningful number of new homes in a constrained market where new builds are often individual or small-lot projects. The preserved façade also serves as a reminder of how redevelopment can blend history with modern housing needs.

The project may also influence future redevelopment discussions involving older institutional structures or underused parcels throughout the Downbeach area.

Micro-FAQ

Will construction begin right away?
No. The project still requires CAFRA approval before demolition or new construction begins.

Will neighbors receive notice of Planning Board actions?
For CAFRA-related matters and building permits, notifications follow state and municipal guidelines.

How long will the project take once started?
The timeline referenced during the hearing was approximately 18–24 months.

Sources:

Ventnor Planning Board; Downbeach BUZZ; DAJ Ventures.