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The basics:

• NJBIZ tours Inkwell Lofts during official debut in Long Branch
• 22-unit boutique condominium project developed by Inspired by Somerset
• Built on former Inkwell Coffee House site dating back to 1960s
• Includes rooftop deck, luxury finishes, location just steps from the beach

NJBIZ was on the scene April 16, as The Inkwell Lofts marked its official opening in Long Branch. Inspired by Somerset Development debuted the 22-unit boutique condominium project just steps from the beach ahead of the summer season.

The three-story development at 665 Second Ave. sits at the corner of New Court. The Inkwell is now welcoming its first residents, positioning the development as a high-end, move-in-ready option in one of the Jersey Shore’s fastest-evolving markets.

The project rises on the former site of the iconic Inkwell Coffee House, a Long Branch staple dating back to the 1960s. Known for its Dutch coffee, the cafe drew a loyal following that included Jersey Shore royalty such as Bruce Springsteen. The coffee house ultimately closed in May 2022. Then, Inspired by Somerset Development purchased the property.

The new project pays homage to the original Inkwell Coffee House while introducing a neighborhood retail component and street level gathering space. Local, popular coffee brand Almost Home will operate the 800-square-foot café at The Inkwell Lofts.

All that’s missing is you

“We’re proud to bring The Inkwell Lofts to life in a way that honors the property’s history while contributing to Long Branch’s continued growth,” said Ralph Zucker, CEO and founder of Inspired by Somerset Development. The company oversees a notable project portfolio, including Bell Works in Holmdel, Lido in Asbury Park and many others. “With strong demand for high-quality residences near the beach, delivering the building ahead of summer allows homeowners to immediately enjoy everything the city has to offer.”

“The Inkwell Lofts presents a rare opportunity to own a newly built, move-in-ready residence that offers lock-and-leave ease in an exceptionally located, charming beachside neighborhood,” said Matthew Drennan, sales director for the development. “A few-minute drive from the Long Branch train station with a direct route to and from NYC. Getting here is convenient, and just a short walk puts you on the sand.”

Zucker and Drennan toured reporters through the new development. They highlighted a range of design features and amenities, including a rooftop deck with outdoor lounge and dining area anchored by a fully equipped summer kitchen. The space offers sweeping views of the beach and across Long Branch.

A ‘great place to be’

Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners designed the project, with interiors by Paola Zamudio of npz studio+. The project emphasizes a coastal aesthetic, incorporating natural materials; muted tones; and open, light-filled layouts. Residences range from one-bedroom-plus-den to two-bedroom configurations. Select homes offer additional den space as well as access to a private courtyard.

Units include oversized windows, private balconies, hardwood flooring and high-end finishes throughout. Kitchens feature quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry, while bathrooms are designed with spa-style elements, including granite vanities and brushed bronze fixtures.

Additional amenities include integrated green space and access to an adjacent indoor parking garage.

“I’m very proud to be here today at the grand opening of the Inkwell Lofts and Coffee House,” said Zucker. “These are really very well-appointed. It’s a great location. We love the history of The Inkwell; we love the fact that so many people spent some of their formative years here having a cup of coffee, enjoying music. And we went to great lengths to keep a coffee house here at the Inkwell location; we love the brand, we love the legacy and hope people come back for a cup of coffee.

“And of course, come here and see these amazing condominiums, 22 beautifully designed. Some of them are even beautifully furnished. Block and a half away from the ocean. Great roof deck, great views – great place to be.”

In it for the long haul

A key element of the project is that resident-focused café and lounge concept, designed to function as an extension of The Inkwell Lofts’ living spaces. Thoughtfully designed units featuring oversized windows, private balconies and high-end finishes complement the effect.

“It really is more than just a café,” Zucker said. “A place to hang out, set up as a lounge. So, it’s a tenant lounge. And you get 24-hour food and beverage and things like that.”

Monmouth County native and Almost Home founder Robert Doran will run the business.

Almost Home operates a growing number of cafés and coffee houses around the state. He plans to serve coffee, of course, beginning with the famous Dutch variety. Other items will also serve to pay homage to The Inkwell, including celery and peanut butter, chicken salad, as well as classical pastry dishes. Additionally, a grab-and-go concept will offer items curated by Blonde Shallot, which operates locations in Sea Girt and Little Silver.

Inspired by Somerset Development is delivering ultra-luxury and lifestyle-driven condos across Monmouth County. Take a closer look.

“The space has changed. It’s definitely more of a Deco vibe,” said Doran, when asked how he plans to pay homage to the iconic spot and integrate his own brand. “We’re going to have the classics here. I’m from the area. I respect the name. But I think at the end of the day, we’re going to bring creativity and more of a hospitality, high-end experience. We’re curating an amazing espresso bar. So, the drinks are going to be high-end.

“We’re going to do an awesome espresso drinks, classical French coffee with fresh French baked goods getting delivered daily. So, I think that – paired with Blonde Shallot, paired with our intensity for just quality; fresh juices across the board,” he continued.

“And then this space itself will be open 24 hours to the residents of the building. A grab-and-go is an honor system type of vibe. People can come down, grab what they want,” said Doran. “It’s going to be super cool. I think it’s the right step and bringing the energy to what this area needs. I’m in for the long-term – I know it’s long-term project.

“I think that what we bring – this is my backyard.”

Really, Almost Home

Doran hails from nearby Rumson. He spoke about the full-circle moment.

“I have 13 spots – this is lucky number 13 I’m opening. I have two more on top of this opening in the next six weeks,” said Doran. He highlighted his affinity for and ties to the area. “It’s cool to open up here in this iconic lot. But more importantly, bring the fun and creativity and the high-energy.”

The space is expected to be fully operational by Memorial Day Weekend.

The project enters the market amid continued transformation in Long Branch, as new residential and commercial developments draw buyers – and renters – seeking a more upscale, low-maintenance coastal lifestyle.

Pricing for remaining units start at $950,000, reaching approximately $1.1 million. Incentives include one year of homeowners association fees covered by the developer. Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group exclusively leads sales and marketing.

“It’s very well scaled,” said Zucker. “It provides an alternative. You don’t need to buy a $5 million beach house to be a block away from the ocean. You could be in Long Branch, in a very well-amenitized building, very well-designed units. We have a legacy of sweating the little details and every single unit here, every drawer, every kitchen, every door, hinge – everything has been poured over and done so in individualized detail.

“It’s not a wholesale building. It’s built to a higher standard than you might typically find. As you can see, the building is very well-executed. And for somebody who doesn’t want to be with thousands of people, it’s an intimate space.”

Honoring history

Zucker was asked about honoring the history of the neighborhood with the project. He came back to the coffee house.

“When we bought it – I’m a real estate developer. I’m not really in the coffee business, per se,” said Zucker. “But it became very apparent very quickly that people loved The Inkwell, and it was just so rooted. Many people were upset at us – and we had to respond online and on social media. We didn’t close The Inkwell down – it was closed.

[I]t became very apparent very quickly that people loved The Inkwell, and it was just so rooted.
– Ralph Zucker, CEO and founder, Inspired by Somerset Development

“We bought the space but when we became aware of the legacy of The Inkwell and how many people were passionate about, we actually went back and we bought The Inkwell brand as well as the coffee brand, and we insisted on putting in a coffee house,” Zucker continued. “We’ve had so many people come over to us – I want to put a restaurant, a pizza shop, or this or that.

“No, it’s a resident lounge and it’s a coffee house. And it’s going to serve Inkwell-branded coffee,” Zucker stressed. “So, it’s going to be Almost Home, but the coffee is Inkwell. It’s not going to be this loud music venue, 2 a.m. thing. That’s gone, but we’re paying homage to the history.

“And somebody who wants to get a Dutch coffee like they used to get it, can come by and in a few weeks, pick up their Dutch coffee and sip a little cup of nostalgia.”