July 17, 2004

"The Empress Motel opens!"

         The Empress Motel was purchased by Shep Pettibone in 1999, long before Asbury Park's redevelopment kicked in. This was a brave move on Pettibone's behalf, seeing as how the entire area was abandoned.

               Pettibone opened Club Paradise, the Jersey Shore's only Lesbian and Gay oriented nightclub, in the Empress' basement. The nightclub's popularity grew over the years.

               When Project: OceanfrontAsbury was passed in 2002, Asbury Partners announced that if the Motel portion wasnt ready to be used soon, the entire complex would be condemned and torn down.

               Pettibone restored the Motel section at amazing speeds, and is now accepting reservation for August 2004! The entire building has been done over in pink,  and features modern rooms, all facing the ocean or the pool! The Empress even got a new sign atop their roof, since 1989 the sign had read "Empres Motel", and now, at last, it finally reads "Empress Motel!" Rates are from $129- about $200, and all guests recieve free passes to club Paradise, which will save you the $7.00  admission fee.

                The Motel looks very modern, and is in fine condition! Club Paradise has also become the #1 nightclub in New Jersey; It caters to the "Lesbian" and "Gay" community, but it welcomes straight people too. You must be legal age to enter.

                                                                                         -DJ