Asbury Park's Paramount Theatre Faces Setbacks in Restoration Efforts

Contractor pulls out, reigniting concerns over much-needed repairs to this historic venue.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:28pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of the exterior of the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey, captured through rain-streaked glass. The image is composed of warm, hazy pools of light and color, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time.The long-awaited restoration of Asbury Park's historic Paramount Theatre faces new delays, reigniting concerns over the future of this beloved cultural landmark.Asbury Park Today

After three years of closure and a deal reached in 2025 between Asbury Park and boardwalk developer Madison Marquette to restore the iconic Paramount Theatre, the project has hit another roadblock. The contractor vetted by Madison Marquette and the city council, March Associates Construction Inc., has decided not to take on the extensive renovation work, leaving the city, developer, and residents scrambling to find a new contractor who can complete the project by the December 2026 deadline set by the state's Preservation Fund grant.

Why it matters

The Paramount Theatre is a historic landmark in Asbury Park and an integral part of the city's Convention Hall, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration of the theater is seen as crucial for revitalizing the city's boardwalk and cultural scene, but the repeated delays and setbacks have frustrated many residents who are eager to see the venue returned to its former glory.

The details

In 2025, the city of Asbury Park and Madison Marquette, the boardwalk developer, reached an agreement to start major repairs on the Paramount Theatre's exterior. Madison Marquette received an $11.7 million Preservation Fund grant from the state for the restoration, but the work must be completed by December 2026. However, the contractor chosen by Madison Marquette and the city council, March Associates Construction Inc., has now decided to pull out of the project before starting any work, leaving the city and developer scrambling to find a replacement contractor who can meet the tight deadline.

  • In 2025, the city of Asbury Park and Madison Marquette reached an agreement to start repairs on the Paramount Theatre.
  • Madison Marquette received an $11.7 million Preservation Fund grant from the state for the restoration, with a deadline of December 2026 to complete the work.

The players

Madison Marquette

The boardwalk developer in Asbury Park that received the Preservation Fund grant and was overseeing the Paramount Theatre restoration project.

March Associates Construction Inc.

The contractor that was initially selected by Madison Marquette and the city council to carry out the Paramount Theatre restoration, but has now pulled out of the project.

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What they’re saying

“While my hopes are that the magnificent Paramount Theatre will return to all its glory, the reality of that notion is rapidly fading.”

— Big Joe Henry, New Jersey 101.5 Weekend Host

What’s next

Madison Marquette says they are working to find a new suitable contractor who can complete the Paramount Theatre restoration work by the December 2026 deadline set by the state's Preservation Fund grant. However, some city council members and residents are skeptical that the project can be finished in time with this new setback.

The takeaway

The repeated delays and setbacks in the Paramount Theatre restoration project have left many Asbury Park residents frustrated and doubtful that the historic venue will be returned to its former glory by the state-imposed deadline. This latest contractor pullout has reignited concerns about the city's ability to effectively manage and complete this crucial revitalization effort for the iconic theater and the broader boardwalk area.