Long Branch, New Jersey

The National Trust for Historic Preservation offers distressed properties and properties at risk which are for sale at a greatly reduced rate

U.S. Lifesaving Station No. 5 in Long Branch is available to someone who can move one of three historic lifesaving buildings to their own land. This shingle style structure is a 2 ½ -story, Circa 1900 "Port Huron Type" 3,446 square foot building featuring cedar shingles and two towers. The building is frame constructed and the foundation and basement walls are brick. It is in fair to good condition and has been vacant for two years.  

The Port Huron house is situated on a property scheduled for redevelopment :-(   The relocation is subject to conditions set forth by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in a permit requiring it to be moved off site. The property owner will convey title of the building for the nominal consideration of $1.00. Any interested party would be responsible for moving the house to another site.

The site, located at the old Takanassee Beach Club at 805 Ocean Ave., has been the topic of local controversy in recent years as redevelopment plans have sparked the ire of preservationists who claim three of the abandoned building on site represent different eras of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, a precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard.

In late September, a suspicious fire destroyed the lookout tower of one of the three structures.  The cause of that blaze remains unknown.  Quick action by the Long Branch Fire Department, aided by seven local towns, prevented further damage to the oceanfront building.

For more information, please contact me and I will put you in touch with the law firm representing the house:  Susan@SusanMcLaughlin.com