An iconic downtown house in Sea Isle met the wrecking ball this afternoon, as it was demolished to make way for future development. The house stood tall in the midst of the downtown Sea Isle business district. The house was located on the corner of 39th Street and Landis Avenue. Flanked by O'Donnell's Pour House, across 39th street from Shenanigan's and across Landis from McGowan's Market, it was one of the last single family residences left on Landis Ave in the area.
Though the house has come down, the coming development plans for the lot are unclear. The property was last sold in 2019 for $1.3 million. Prior to the sale of the property, the former owners were given city approval for a mixed use development plan, including first floor commercial space with multiple condo units above.
But since the sale rumors have been swirling about potential plans. The property was purchased by "Jersey Shore Properties LLC. " in 2019. The same LLC. is also listed as owners of the properties where the Pour House and The Ocean Drive are situated. That same LLC was also used to purchase properties to expand and create the Sandbar at the OD in recent years. Rumors have been circulating that this could lead to an future expansion of the Pour House or the Ocean Drive, but nothing has been confirmed. The lot could just be used as the creation of a new business opportunity for the owners, as they now own the entire front facing land of Landis Avenue between 39th and 40th Street.
Another rumor is that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the now cleared lot could be used for a temporary expansion of the Pour House's outdoor seating area, because it is likely that outdoor seating areas will open quicker and at a higher capacity than indoor seating for restaurants. Though again, nothing has been confirmed and is just speculation.
We will keep you updated, when more official word comes on what will happen with the property.