Ground Broken on 78-Unit The Elbie in Long Branch

New rental community aims to bring boutique living and retail to downtown Long Branch.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:54pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a scale model of the new The Elbie apartment building, crafted from polished metal and glass and arranged elegantly on a clean white background, conceptually representing the refined living that the development will bring to Long Branch.A new boutique-scale rental community aims to elevate downtown Long Branch's residential and retail offerings.Long Branch Today

Downeaster Development and TANTUM Real Estate have broken ground on The Elbie, a new 78-unit rental community in Long Branch, New Jersey. The four-story building will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with 8,000 square feet of interior amenities and 4,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The project will also include streetscape enhancements like a crosswalk with the city seal, new landscaping, and a clock tower.

Why it matters

Long Branch has become a development hotspot along the Jersey Shore in recent years, with several major residential projects underway. The Elbie aims to bring new energy and opportunities to the city's Lower Broadway corridor, complementing the area's ongoing transformation.

The details

The four-story building will transition to three stories along Sixth Avenue to complement the surrounding residential neighborhood. Residences will feature one- and two-bedroom units, with select homes offering private terraces. Amenities will include a lobby lounge, library, work-from-home areas, a fitness center, clubroom, game room, and an I-Suite recording and podcast studio. An outdoor landscaped terrace will offer a barbecue station, fireplace, and multiple seating areas.

  • Downeaster Development and TANTUM Real Estate recently broke ground on the project.
  • Initial occupancy of the building is anticipated in late spring 2027.

The players

Downeaster Development

The development company behind The Elbie project.

TANTUM Real Estate

The real estate company collaborating with Downeaster Development on The Elbie.

James Taylor

The founder and CEO of Downeaster Development.

Debra Tantleff

The founding principal of TANTUM Real Estate.

Mayor Pallone

The mayor of Long Branch, who praised the community enhancements included in the project.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to begin construction on a community that reflects both the character and momentum of downtown Long Branch. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Mayor Pallone and local leaders as The Elbie helps bring new energy and opportunities to this part of the city.”

— James Taylor, Founder and CEO of Downeaster Development

“Our goal was to design a building that helps shape the neighborhood and advance the area's transformation. The Elbie occupies a middle ground that's rare today, a boutique-scale community large enough to offer meaningful amenities but still intimate in feel.”

— Debra Tantleff, Founding Principal of TANTUM Real Estate

“Mayor Pallone pointed out the meaningful community enhancements the companies have included at the city's request, as an example of the 'special partnership' between the city and the developers.”

— Mayor Pallone

What’s next

Initial occupancy of the building is anticipated in late spring 2027.

The takeaway

The Elbie project represents the continued development momentum in Long Branch, as the city works with private partners to bring new residential and retail offerings that complement the character of the downtown area and enhance the community.