Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 74 insight of the Fort's designers. Unfortunately, since the Fort's aforementioned decommissioning in the 1970s, most of the Fort's buildings, while still standing, have fallen into great disrepair. To further degrade the situation, Sandy Hook and its buildings took a real hit during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Previous efforts to redevelop Fort Hancock have been fraught with pub- lic controversy and economic obsta- cles. Yet despite the many challenges, the National Park Service recognizes that with the proper resources and intentions, these historical struc- tures in a gorgeous location still have immense potential. As a result, the Fort Hancock 21st Century Federal Advisory Committee is currently accepting requests for proposals from parties interested in the long term leasing of any of the approximately thirty different structures, fourteen of which lie along Officer's Row like Samuelson's. Beginning the process nearly three years ago, Samuelson has by default become a lone pioneer and expert on leasing and renovation at the Fort. Deeply passionate about the future possibilities, he is also one of its greatest champions and desper- ately wants to attract other investors to Sandy Hook. "I'm trying to lead by example," he comments, "be the pathfinder. My goal is to save the Row." As a result, he is very protective of the impression he gives of the pro- cess, though he does let certain frus- trations escape. "When they restored the Presidio in San Francisco, it took an act of Congress and millions of dollars and I'm just one schmuck," he jokes. "This is the most restrict- ed piece of real estate on the Jersey Shore. But 99.9% of the officials have been great." In other words, Samuelson had to deal with a mul- titude of agencies and paperwork, renovate to historical standards, and essentially be willing to find answers to the unanswerable. Clearly, it required a unique personality, some- one patient and organized enough to negotiate all the bureaucracy and red tape yet entrepreneurial enough to go ever-so-slightly rogue and simply forge ahead when necessary. "Brian is my hero. He is out in front leading the charge, " comments Jones. "I can't emphasize enough how important it is that he got this up and running while everyone's still figuring out their dance steps. He gave the program viability." Physical restorations to the duplex included moving utilities up from the basement, gutting one kitchen, repairing the sewer system, replacing copper roofs, restoring brickwork, glazing windows, and a ton of seal- ing, tiling, scraping, spackling, and painting. While conservative esti- mates once put the price tag of resto- ration around $880,000. per home, Samuelson won't divulge what he has invested. With a transferable lease that runs sixty-plus years, does he expect to make a profit on this ven- ture? "It was cash intensive and risky, but I expect not to get hurt," he says. Meanwhile, the rental is now ready to face its first full year of availabil- ity and its first full summer season. Tastefully decorated in a beachy, coastal theme, colors of buttery cream with touches of vivid blue predominate. Gorgeous hardwood floors, built in bookcases, sunny side porches, and wartime posters on the walls all lend to the historic appeal. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious dining room, and double couches, each side of the house sleeps ten, making it just right for gather- ings of family and friends. "My relatives came out here, and they loved it. Watching sunsets and drinking wine…," says Samuelson. "I may live out here myself one day. It took a lot of patience and perse- verance but for someone to give you a free mansion on the Jersey Shore? That's a pretty good deal. That's priceless; that's worth everything." u For more information on the vacation rental, visit: www.sandyhookrentals.com. For information on the leasing process for buildings at Fort Hancock, visit: www.forthancock21.org. To find our more about the photography of Jeff Smith, visit: www.JeffSmithPhoto.net. For more information on the military history of Sandy Hook, visit: www.nps.gov/ gate/learn/historyculture/hancock.htm. One of the four bedrooms featuring hardwood floors and a beachy, coastal theme. A cannon in front of historic Officer's Row. JERSEY SHORE LANDMARKS SLEEPING AMONG THE DUNES, continued from page 73

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