Massive Boardwalk hotel project approved by planning board, contingent on the addition of parking spaces

A project with the potential to alter the landscape of the Wildwoods Boardwalk took one big step closer to reality this evening, winning approval from the Wildwood Planning Board in a unanimous (8-0) vote at City Hall.

However, the application is contingent upon the acquisition of additional parking spaces. (Update HERE)

The proposed development calls for a hotel - presently titled “The Wild Resort” - to emerge from a dramatic renovation of the existing complex at 3000 Boardwalk, spanning the block between Maple and Glenwood Avenues. 

According to renderings provided by the property's owner, Wildwood Hospitality Group LLC, two additional floors would be added to the current three-story building, bringing the total to five floors and allotment for 75 rooms. With 54-55 parking spaces behind and in a garage underneath the current building, roughly 20 additional parking spots must be secured for the approval of the hotel's desired number of units.

A restaurant and rooftop pool are also included in the plans, along with capacity for seven commercial units fronting the Boardwalk.

The block-long structure was sold by 3000 Boardwalk Sb LLC back in April for $6,200,000, the largest property sale on the Boardwalk to date (eclipsing the $4.1 million sale of the King’s Inn in North Wildwood). 

Centrally and prominently located on the world famous promenade, 3000 Boardwalk dates back to the late 1970’s. It has long been viewed as one of the Boardwalk’s most infamous landmarks, considered an “eyesore” by many due to the ever-deteriorating conditions of the top two floors (consisting of rental units that have been abandoned for years), and other structural and cosmetic issues.

Despite the many problems the building has incurred over the previous decades, retail operations have continued, mostly-uninterrupted, at the Boardwalk level. 

Notable businesses on the block as of last summer included IT’SUGAR Candy Store, Johnny Scoops and Little Angelo’s Pizza Spot, along with four other stores and one game stand. 

At this stage, there is no firm timetable for when work on The Wild Resort will be able to begin, let alone an opening date. With several steps ahead, including the resolution of the parking space issue and a CAFRA report to be filed, no movement is imminent. 

The area directly in front of 3000 Boardwalk is closed to the public this winter due to Phase 2 of the Boardwalk Renovation Project. The ongoing work, which includes replacement of boards and removal of concrete pathways from Maple to 26th Avenue (five blocks total), is scheduled to be completed by May 2023.