MARGATE — Plans to expand and preserve Lucy the Elephant moved forward after the New Jersey Economic Development Authority board unanimously approved a $5.4 million tax credit for the project.
The award, made through the NJEDA’s Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program, would support a new visitor and interpretive center, completion of Lucy’s interior restoration and development of a park surrounding the National Historic Landmark.
Lucy’s leadership attended the NJEDA board meeting in New Brunswick, where the approval was announced. The organization said it spent more than $125,000 during the 17-month application process.
“This is an extraordinary day for Lucy,” Executive Director Richard Helfant said. “After 17 months of uncertainty and perseverance, we have finally reached a turning point. This approval represents an enormous step forward in our efforts to preserve Lucy for future generations, enhance the visitor experience and create a destination worthy of one of New Jersey’s most beloved and recognizable landmarks.”
Helfant thanked Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the NJEDA, Margate Mayor Mike Collins and the city Board of Commissioners for supporting the project. He also credited Lucy Director of Education Jeremy Bingaman and grant consultant Jim Rutala for helping the organization navigate the application and documentation requirements.
The proposed visitor and interpretive center would be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and offer additional opportunities for visitors to learn about Lucy’s history and significance. Plans also call for continued restoration of the structure’s interior and a redesigned park intended to strengthen the site as a cultural and tourism destination.
Another featured element would be a half-block replica of Margate’s historic boardwalk. The boardwalk would run along the bulkhead in front of Lucy and serve as the entrance to the new building.
Helfant said he has contacted Tom Sykes of WATG/SOSH Architects to begin advancing construction documents.
Additional steps remain before the project can proceed. According to information presented at the NJEDA meeting, the board’s minutes will be submitted to the governor, who will have two weeks to veto any items. The agency is then expected to issue a formal approval letter outlining any conditions attached to the award.
Lucy’s leadership is targeting April 2027 for groundbreaking. Construction is expected to take 12 to 16 months, with a ribbon-cutting anticipated in mid-2028 if the project remains on schedule.
“This is about so much more than a tax credit or a construction project,” Helfant said. “It is about protecting an irreplaceable piece of our history, creating a better experience for the millions of people who have a connection to Lucy and ensuring that she continues to inspire generations to come.”
Lucy board President Jason Tell said the approval allows the organization to move ahead with greater confidence, though more work remains.
“We are grateful to the NJEDA and everyone who believed in this vision, stood beside us through the difficult moments and helped make this achievement possible,” Tell said.
Built in 1881, Lucy is the oldest surviving roadside attraction in the United States and one of the Jersey Shore’s best-known landmarks. The six-story elephant-shaped structure was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Lucy the Elephant project wins approval for $5.4 million NJEDA tax credit
