The new guardhouse, at 248 square feet, is larger than the current one, which was built in 1968. Rendering provided
By John Pacenti
Architects scaled back the once opulent design of a new Point Manalapan guardhouse, presenting an updated, more governmental design to replace the 60-year-old existing structure.
Still, the Town Commission was not satisfied, giving little tweaks to the new design at its April 14 meeting, mostly for landscaping or beautification, with a final vote still to come.
The town’s appointed architectural commission already rejected the ambitious original design and sent the matter back to elected officials.
The Town Commission has allocated $100,000 for the project. The guardhouse is on the winding Lands End Road and serves as the entrance to Point Manalapan.
Gone are the modern tropical design and the elaborate steel trellis that made the proposed guardhouse seem more like the entry to an airport and doubled the expected price. The new design is 248 square feet — 152 square feet bigger than the current one — but it fits neatly on the current footprint.
The design is more school-like, architect Jess Sowards said, with a dark gray metal roof and ample window space for visibility. There is an ADA-compliant bathroom, two guard booths, and a small kitchenette.
“To me, it seems it’s the goals we talked about. We have a bigger presence there,” Town Manager Eric Marmer said.
The new design retains the bigger windows for better visibility for the guards.
The building will also be equipped with updated security technology. Construction is expected to be completed over the summer.
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