John Donio, owner of the Daytona 500 Motel in Downtown Wildwood, NJ, addresses attendees of the “Buy Wildwood” Trolley Tour.

WILDWOOD – New Jersey Realtors and business owners visited the Wildwoods on Tue., Oct. 11 for an informational tour showcasing the Wildwood Business Improvement District’s (WBID) revitalization efforts, along with opportunities for investment and development.

Plans for a six-story, doo-wop inspired hotel project that will be located within the WBID were also announced during the tour by Will Morey, president of Morey’s Piers. The construction of the “Grand Wildwoodian” is expected to begin next year, with a possible 2013 opening. The Morey Organization plans to turn the space along the city's main entranceway into a six-story hotel that will be joined with the neighboring Starlux, which opened in 2000—the result will be a combined 140-unit hotel.

The WBID’s ‘Dolly the Trolley’ made several stops as it toured way through Downtown Wildwood, with representatives stepping aboard to briefly share their success stories about their downtown businesses and discussing the opportunities that make now the time to invest in Wildwood. Business owners that provided additional information on the tour included John Donio, owner of the Daytona 500 Motel; John Siciliano, executive director of the Wildwoods Convention Center; Jackie Mikulsi, owner of Key West Café; Jon Paxton, owner of Juan Pablo’s, Dan MacElrevy, owner of Ocean Property Management; Dave DeWeese, owner of Stagliano and DeWeese P.A.; Dave Stefankanwitz, owner of Goodnight Irene’s.

Following the trolley ride, presentations were provided by several Wildwood speakers and investors, including Wally Lerro, president of WBID & owner of Bolero Hotel & The Deck; Patrick Rosenello, Executive Director of WBID; City of Wildwood Commissioner, Pete Byron; Jay Ford, president of Crest Savings Bank. Will Morey, president of Morey’s Piers, announced the new hotel project, which is set to occupy the long-vacant lot at the corner of Rio Grande and Ocean avenues. The Morey Organization plans to turn the space along the city's main entranceway into a six-story hotel that will be joined with the neighboring Starlux, a doo-wop-inspired hotel that opened in 2000—the result will be a combined 140-unit hotel.

Mike Zumpino, Chairman of TRIAD Associates explained Vision 2015 – an improvement strategy plan for Downtown Wildwood focusing on eight areas of transformation in the town including Administration, Strategic Planning, Infrastructure Improvements, Design Enhancements, Marketing, Special Events and Business Support with over 50 projects in place to assist in those areas. Lou Ferrara, Director of the Wildwood Redevelopment Office, gave a brief presentation about UEZ incentives offered in Downtown Wildwood. New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Grace Hanlon was in attendance for the tour and lunch, as well.

“Our first ever ‘Buy Wildwood’ Downtown Real Estate Showcase Tour was a great success,” said Patrick Rosenello, Executive Director of WBID. “The tour allowed us to showcase our downtown to realtors and potential business owners, along with all of the opportunities available for investors ready to open their first, second or third business.”

For more information about the Wildwoods Business Improvement District please visit www.dowildwood.com or call 609-523-1602.