Jack Antonoff is moving forward with plans to establish a private recording studio on Long Beach Island, converting the former Bikini Headquarters site on Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach Township into a soundproof space with limited on-site personnel.
The property, located at the corner of Nevada Avenue across from Nardi’s Tavern, was purchased by the Henry Street Trust for $1.2 million in August 2023. While Antonoff’s name does not appear on the property records, he testified at a September 2023 land-use board meeting to obtain a variance allowing a recording studio on the site. According to meeting minutes, he said the project would be private, with a small crew and an engineer living in an on-site apartment, and that the facility would be “very unassuming” and not publicly advertised.
Under the plan, the building would be demolished to make way for the studio, which Antonoff intends to keep closed to the public. He told board members that the on-site activity would involve only two to four people at any given time and that he would adhere to noise ordinances, despite pushing back at a suggestion for a 10 p.m. operating curfew. He also explained that he wants to spend more time on Long Beach Island rather than in New York City and needs a workspace on the island for days when he is in residence.
Antonoff, 41, has deep New Jersey roots and a long-running presence on the Jersey Shore. He grew up in New Milford and Woodcliff Lake and spent every summer on Long Beach Island; his family previously owned a home here. He expanded his real estate footprint with the purchase of an oceanfront property nearby in 2020 and also owns a house in Colts Neck. Local commentator Kevin Bergin, president of the LBI Chamber of Commerce, noted that public figures who invest in the community are generally welcomed when they are mindful of neighbors and beachgoers’ needs.
The studio project sits within a broader arc of Antonoff’s career, which includes producing for major acts and earning 11 Grammy Awards, including multiple Producer of the Year trophies. He is best known for his collaborations with Taylor Swift, though he is not listed as a credited producer on Swift’s upcoming album at the time of the report. Swift herself has spoken publicly about their creative partnership, describing Antonoff as a close collaborator and friend.
Antonoff’s ties to New Jersey extend beyond music. He helped launch the annual Shadow of the City music festival in Asbury Park and has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on Bleachers’ track Chinatown. His involvement in the Long Beach Island project underscores a continued personal and professional connection to the region.
Officials and residents in the area have acknowledged the potential for crowds and traffic, but support the privately run studio as long as it remains discreet and compliant with local regulations. The project highlights the island’s appeal to high-profile artists seeking a quieter, private workspace while sparing the public from routine access.
Summary:
– Jack Antonoff plans a private, soundproof recording studio on the former Bikini Headquarters site in Long Beach Township, with a demolition of the current building to make way for the facility.
– The project received a variance from the land-use board in 2023; the studio will be private and not open to the public, with a small on-site team and an engineer living on-site.
– The Henry Street Trust purchased the property for $1.2 million in 2023; Antonoff has deep ties to New Jersey and has spent significant time on Long Beach Island.
– While Swift’s upcoming album has not listed Antonoff as a credited producer, his long-running collaboration with her remains a central aspect of his career.
– Local officials emphasize balancing privacy for the studio with considerations for neighboring residents and visitors, reflecting a broader pattern of high-profile figures integrating into the island community.
Additional value:
– If you’re a local resident or a visitor planning summer trips, expect a quieter footprint from this project, but be aware that a private studio can draw occasional traffic and security considerations. Community stakeholders might monitor any future changes to operating hours or access, though officials stress adherence to noise and curfew regulations.
– The development underscores Long Beach Island’s appeal to prominent music producers, potentially elevating the area’s profile as a haven for creative work while reinforcing the town’s ongoing balance between private enterprise and public quality of life.
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