Infamous Ocean City Eyesore Is Finally Coming Down in New Jersey

While Downtown Ocean City on the northern end of the island gets the most attention from media and visitors, the 9th Street corridor and OC Boardwalk are not the only major business sections of "America's Favorite Family Resort".

The southern section of Ocean City from 29th Street to 55th street has its own history as its own self-contained neighborhood compared to the Downtown Business section to the north. For decades, the mixture of businesses and residential properties has its own unique vibe in Southern Ocean City.

From CVS Pharmacy and ACME on 34th Street to Uncle Bill's Pancake House on 40th Street, and A La Mode Ice Cream Parlor on 55th street are staples of southern Ocean City for decades. Both year-round residents, and seasonal vacationers have been patronizing these businesses each annual as part of their daily lives.

But this Ocean City landmark was demolished after 65 years

First opened as a hotel in the 1960s, The Seaspray property at the corner of 34th Street and Bay Avenue was converted in a Condominium with residential units in 1980. Located across the street from the ACME Supermarket, and CVS Pharmacy, this building has been one of the first properties you seen when entering Ocean City from the 34th street bridge.

But the property has been deteriorating over the last decade, finally culminating in concrete falling through an exterior doorway, and the property being deemed unsafe in 2024. The process of getting the property sold, then approved for redevelopment, has taken almost two years.

Finally, after years as one of the biggest eyesores of Ocean City, on Wednesday, September 30th, saw construction crews began the process of demolition. The developers had a countdown and began the tear-down with "a party atmosphere" and a taco truck in the Seaspray parking lot.

Multiple reports say replacing the old Seaspray Condo Complex will be a 43-unit luxury condominium that will be named The Drift at Salt Meadows. The grand opening of the new property in Ocean City is projected for 2028.