Deal Struck To Save 113-Year-Old Gottlieb Building In Point Beach

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – A deal has been struck to save the historic 113-year-old Gottlieb building from the wrecking ball, Mayor-elect Paul Kanitra said on Tuesday.

Kanitra said he helped spur a deal that will lead to Point Pleasant Beach residents Steve and Sue Fisher purchasing the former home of Gottlieb's Department Store and spending $1 million to renovate the building.

The roof had literally been peeled off the building during the asbestos abatement procedures as its final days approached and major interior work was also needed, Kanitra said.

Now, all parties are looking forward to unveiling the renovated work sometime in late 2020 or early 2021.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my friends Steve and Sue Fisher for stepping up in such a monumental way and rescuing this priceless piece of Point Pleasant Beach history,” said Kanitra. “A huge debt of gratitude also goes out to Joe Carannante for coming to the table after a contentious couple of months and choosing to put our town’s best interests first."

Kanitra said the wrecking ball for the Gottlieb building, which Carannante purchased for $800,000 last year, was possibly coming in days. The developer hoped that he could save it, but the building was considered too "structurally unsound."

Kanitra said the developer had a change of heart because he cares about Point Pleasant Beach, and a deal was struck.

The mayor-elect said he could understand why the building was apparently heading for demolition because Point Pleasant Beach lacks ordinances that could help boost historic preservation.

Kanitra said he plans to introduce a list of sweeping measures to protect the town's historic buildings after he's sworn in in January.

"Over the coming years, Point Pleasant Beach's downtown will become a truly special place that our residents and people around the state of New Jersey will be envious of," he said.

Here is a video of the press conference: