By Steffen Klenk
Since its grand opening earlier this year, the Shoppes at the Asbury is bringing new life to the former Crown Bank that once occupied the ground floor. Located at 801 Asbury Ave., the interior mixes a blend of 1920s architecture, carefully crafted wall fixtures, and a formerly utilized bank vault, with a touch of modern lighting and design. The store is quickly becoming a hub for distinct, fashionable, and elegant items to complete any shopping list. Now, shoppers have another reason to visit this space.
The store’s second floor loft has been completely transformed into an art gallery, complete with original works, prints, and rarities. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, offering comfortable seating, providing the perfect location to speak with the artists or admire their arrangements.
Over the next few months, shoppers will have the opportunity to see the works of three locally renowned, talented artists, Jon Baker, Tina Sacco, and Pamela Scribner, in an up-close venue. We caught up with an enthusiastic Baker at the opening reception, held on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 16. “I’m honored and blessed to be part of this.”
Bridget and Brad Jacobson manage and operate the Shoppes. Upon purchasing the space in February, the couple has been hard at work making essential upgrades to the upstairs loft space, with new reinforcement, railings, and carpeting down the stairs.
Today, this vision has quickly become reality. The space will evolve into a place where artists will have a platform to not only display and sell their pieces, but to partake in activities that will enable creativity. The second floor of the Shoppes has been completely re-transformed into something that will be cherished by all who walk in. “This is another piece of the puzzle,” Jacobson says.
Even Baker is seeing this transformation up close and recognizes the level of nostalgia this is bringing to the city. “It’s beautiful class; all of the vendors are top notch and it’s local economy driven.”
Shoppes at the Asbury can be found at 801 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City. For up-to-date hours and information, you can call them at (609) 545-8688, or find them on Facebook and Instagram @shoppesattheasbury.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
