Plaza Place - Ocean City’s HIdden Jewel
A Story of Community and Vision
Plaza Place may be one of Ocean City’s best-kept secrets—a neighborhood defined by resilience, legacy, and an extraordinary sense of community.
Its story begins in the early 1900s, when the land was acquired by Simon Lake Brighton, a key figure in Ocean City’s founding. Brighton subdivided the lots and sold them to families seeking a peaceful summer escape by the sea.
In the decades that followed, charming single-family homes began to appear—each unique, each built with intention. Plaza Place quickly became home to some of Ocean City’s most influential families, the early leaders who helped shape the city’s culture, economy, and identity.
As reported in The Press of Atlantic City in 2017, former residents included elected officials, municipal judges, and boardwalk entrepreneurs. “Some big wigs included members of the Faunce family, which at one time owned the Moorlyn, Strand, Village, Surf, and Uno theaters on the island, and the owners of the old Simms’ Seafood Restaurant on the boardwalk, which [was] described as a forerunner to The Crab Trap in Somers Point.” (Press of Atlantic City, April 19, 2017).
While many neighborhoods have changed drastically over time, Plaza Place remains remarkably intact. Extending from Pelham to 7th, Wayne Ave to Atlantic Ave, the architecture has endured. So have the families. Many homes are now in their second and third generation of ownership. This is more than a neighborhood—it’s a living legacy and a rare cultural time capsule that tells the story of Ocean City itself.
In 2024, Friends of OCNJ History and Culture released a documentary titled Plaza Place – The Enigmatic Lane, available on YouTube. The film captures not just the rich history of Plaza Place, but also the warmth and camaraderie among its residents. It paints a heartfelt portrait of a truly special place.
Like all communities, Plaza Place has seen its challenges. By the early 2000s, the community recognized that the neighborhood was aging and needed to be refreshed. They restored homes, improved streetscapes, and worked with the city to preserve what made the neighborhood special.
What began as a simple social group—neighbors gathering on porches and hosting block parties—evolved into a formal civic association. With bylaws and a clear mission, the Plaza Place Association set out to celebrate the neighborhood’s history, strengthen community ties, and advocate for its protection. In 2017, the City of Ocean City officially recognized both the neighborhood and the association’s work.
In a forward-thinking decision, the city also limited zoning in the area to single-family homes. On the zoning map, Plaza Place stands out—an oasis of calm and character amid a sea of modern duplex development. This designation discouraged demolition and speculative development, helping to stabilize and revive the neighborhood.
Plaza Place may be Ocean City’s finest example of community-led preservation. No sweeping government mandates were needed, no massive taxpayer outlays—just zoning aligned with the character of the neighborhood. The residents did the rest, preserving this historic gem for future generations to enjoy. Since the release of the documentary, visitors have increasingly sought out the street, strolling its tree-lined sidewalks, chatting with neighbors on porches, and soaking in its quiet beauty.
But today, this neighborhood faces a significant threat. A high-rise hotel development—nearly nine stories tall—is being considered for the end of the block. It would tower over the surrounding two-story homes, dramatically altering the scale and character of the area. The project includes a 255-room resort, bringing traffic to streets never designed for such volume. Sunlight would be blocked in the neighborhood for much of the day. Most concerning of all, Plaza Place itself would be transformed—from a quiet, historic enclave, into a congested corridor leading to a luxury resort.
One can’t help but feel for the residents of this community, who have spent generations shaping this place, only to fear that everything they’ve built could be lost.
Plaza Place is more than a block of houses. It is Ocean City’s Elfreth’s Alley—an irreplaceable piece of our cultural and architectural heritage. It may be the city’s most important neighborhood—not because it is flashy or new, but because it has endured with grace, character, and unity.
Neighborhoods are also one of the unique aspects of Ocean City, New Jersey – a feature that makes it stand apart from other shore towns that are far more homogenous. Ocean City has 11 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique history, character, and sense of community. From the serene charm of The Gardens to the waterfront allure of The Riviera, the city offers a diverse tapestry of residential areas. The North End blends single-family homes with multi-unit properties, while the Central district buzzes with activity near the Boardwalk and downtown shops. Merion Park provides bay views and a tranquil atmosphere, and the South End is known for its close-knit community and proximity to pristine beaches. Each neighborhood contributes to the vibrant fabric of Ocean City, making it a mosaic of varied lifestyles and landscapes.
But that fabric is now being tested. The proposed resort development threatens to disrupt the integrity of one of these neighborhoods—Plaza Place—but make no mistake: the implications ripple far beyond a single block. If one neighborhood’s zoning, scale, and quality of life can be overturned, every other neighborhood should take note. Today, it may be Plaza Place. Tomorrow, it could be yours. That’s why now is the time for neighborhoods across Ocean City to stand together—not just to protect a street, but to preserve the character of the entire town.
Change is an inevitable part of life, and Ocean City has always embraced the ebb and flow of businesses and attractions that contribute to its vibrant character. However, while the evolution of commerce is natural, altering the cultural and historical fabric of our neighborhoods is a matter that requires thoughtful consideration.
As the city deliberates the future of the Wonderland Pier site, we urge our leaders to recognize and honor the rich history of Plaza Place. The residents have invested not only in their homes, but also in preserving the unique charm and legacy of this neighborhood. They placed their trust in the city to uphold and protect the character of their community. We ask that this trust be respected and that any developments reflect a commitment to preserving the heritage that makes Ocean City truly special.
Sincerely,
Friends of OCNJ History & Culture