Renovated, rebranded North Wildwood motel is firm’s latest island venture, with much more in the works

Courtesy of Seaport Inn

Back in March, Philadelphia-based developer BG Capital announced that it had purchased the Isle of Capri Motel in North Wildwood, with plans to fully renovate and rebrand the property as the Seaport Inn.

The transformed motel, named in connection with Seaport Pier (22nd & Boardwalk), officially opened Memorial Day Weekend.

This marks the parent firm's latest venture on the island, as work continues on a large-scale hotel (see below) and a sprawling residential complex, both taking shape along Downtown Wildwood's Pacific Avenue corridor with expected completion dates in 2023.

“At the Seaport Inn, everything with the exception of the structure itself is brand new,” said Joe Byrne, managing partner and president of BG Capital. “Modern visitors want clean, new and convenient. Our philosophy is you get what you put into a project. That’s why we went through such an extensive renovation, not just paint and furniture.”

Seaport Inn's official website promotes "an exemplary mid-century modern style that harkens back to the golden age of the Jersey Shore with present day amenities to ensure that you enjoy your stay."

The two-story motel is comprised of 21 rooms, which includes a previously-used owners’ suite that was converted into a rentable unit, and a pool. It is serviced by the Seaport Shuttle, which makes regular trips to and from Seaport Pier, the multi-purpose entertainment venue opened by BG Capital in 2018.

“We thought it would complement Seaport Pier to offer overnight accommodations for our guests attending the various events there,” explained Byrne. “The Seaport Shuttle, which has already become well known in the area, is offered to the passengers at no cost if they are going to Seaport Pier.

“Seaport Inn guests also have access to the shuttle for free. There are plans to add a second shuttle in the near future. And we will continue to increase the fleet as other Seaport-affiliated assets come on line.”

In noting the further extension of the Seaport brand, Byrne confirmed a shift in plans for one of the island's largest in-process developments.

Seaport Suites is the new name given to the four-story structure under construction on Pacific Avenue, between Schellenger and Lincoln Avenues (one block south of Byrne Plaza). It is now being planned as a year-round hotel after originally being introduced as the Residences on Pacific, which was to offer student housing.

Seaport Suites is projected to feature three floors of hotel rooms (64 total units), with retail operating spaces at street level. It will also be the future home of Exit 4 bar/nightclub, presently located two blocks south at 3800 Pacific. The long-vacant and neglected Union Trust Bank building directly across the street (southeast corner of Pacific & Schellenger) is likely to be demolished for parking in the months to come.

Meanwhile, work on The Oasis is moving along steadily, several blocks north. The complex will feature a total of 38 units consisting of townhouses and duplexes, plus leisure and recreation space on the former 1.75-acre St. Anne's/Cape Trinity School property.