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Owners of the Albatross Hotel in Ocean Grove are working on major renovations.
By WILLIAM CLARK
The Albatross Hotel is undergoing major renovations.
The historic lodging in Ocean Grove is hoping to resume operations by the summer of 2025 under new owners Ron Rudolph and Chris Cornell.
Both are residents of the historic district.
Dominick Perrier-Strand, Director of Operations for the RFO Group recently said that The Albatross had been neglected and was in need of modernization while maintaining its historic aesthetic.
“When the opportunity arose to purchase the hotel, the owners jumped in immediately with plans to ultimately renovate and bring it back to its glory,” he said.
The hotel has operated under new ownership the past two summers as they got the feel for the business and brainstormed ideas to bring the hotel into the 21st century.
Guests will no longer have to contend with lodging no larger than some walk in closets.
Other modifications will include modern fire suppression, a full elevator and other handicap accessibility. Perrier-Strand said that a possible restaurant could be included that would be open to the public.
Perrier-Strand said that other hotels have recently been sold and this is an opportunity to maintain the flavor and historical nature of the district while still catering to the tourism industry that is so vital.
In addition, Perrier-Strand said that the hotel will be valuable in terms of the surrounding area as well. With more concerts, events and other offerings making Asbury Park so attractive, The Albatross can provide a historic feel for visitors while they patronize Ocean Grove and the surrounding towns.
Now, the project waits for approval from the Historical Preservation Commission.
With architect Mark Pavliv on the project, Perrier-Strand said that the group is aware of the importance of the Victorian look.
“I don’t think there’s a street you can walk down in Ocean Grove that he isn’t a part of,” Perrier-Strand said.
The project is an undertaking of time and resources, but Perrier-Strand believes that it will be worth it.
“The goal is to restore it to an elegance that has since been forgotten or has not been done in a while,” he said.