In 1873, James Bradley developed Asbury Park as a shore resort community with a religious orientation. Bradley had great expectations for his new city. His street plan incorporated park areas around three lakes and a grand boardwalk lined with significant public and private structures. Streets perpendicular to the beach flare open as they approach the boardwalk which gives the city a wonderful connection to the sea. In 2002, Asbury Partners/MD SASS acquired the right to be the prime developer for the waterfront redevelopment area and retained Clarke Caton Hintz/Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn to prepare a new Master Plan and associated development regulations.

The new Asbury Park Master Plan calls for walkable mixed use neighborhoods, integration of open space and development, and the adaptive reuse of historic structures such as the Casino and Convention Hall. Detailed architectural design regulations will insure new buildings will live-up to Asbury Parkõs rich design heritage. Buildings will range from 2 to 8 stories in height and have a Mediterranean or modern design character. Taller buildings will be set back from the boardwalk to allow the maximum views of the ocean.