Downtown – Toms River, New Jersey
Toms River proudly displays how they are one of approximately two dozen Main Street New Jersey communities in the state on the entry signage to their downtown. As the county seat for Ocean County there is a preponderance of offices here for the county, the Municipality, various organizations, and many lawyers. A small entertainment and restaurant scene is here also extending the possibility of a nighttime economy.
The county building has a nice shaded seating area in front. While not a conversation landscape, it does provide an area for people to socially and civically gather.
View of Main Street with one and two story buildings. The fixed canopy covering the sidewalks is an interesting feature. While providing shade and protection from the weather, it obscures the identity of individual buildings and businesses. Also it blocks views of the building overhead from sidewalk level.
This two story building was reclad with siding on a slant. This was an attempt to modernize something older beneath.
A new business coming in is an encouraging sign. Smokies BBQ could add some vitality to the block it is on. Clustering more food and dining nearby will increase chances of success for this business and others in the cluster.
Toms River Business Improvement District is the organization responsible for revitalization activities. They also manage the Main Street program. Of note are the resolutions on the wall recognizing Small Business Saturday from the Mayor and Council between 2015 and 2022.
Some historic buildings is Toms River are attractive and well cared for. This three story building appears to combine two buildings together with similar detailing. The slightly less elaborate cornice on the shorter building might indicate a later date. The “conference center” on the ground floor is potentially a useful place for people to gather.
Outdoor dining sets a welcoming tone for one of the local restaurants.
A little further along Main Street the Battle River Brewing location appears to be an important business and gathering place.
Crave is a restaurant that advertises being open for breakfast and lunch. The stylized letter sign, blade sign over the entrance, and pencil graphics in the window show a clear hierarchy of messaging. This is probably the best designed storefront in Toms River. Next door 82 appears to be an entertainment venue.
Offices on the ground floor of many buildings make it difficult for retail or a more sizable food and dining cluster to take hold.
Town Hall was originally built as a home for a wealthy merchant. The conversion for use as a Town Hall largely has kept the historic building intact.
The Court Yard appears to have once had a restaurant but now is in need of redevelopment.
A wayfinding sign shows different areas designated by use. Shops, dining, banks, and offices occupy a relatively small footprint in relation to institutional uses, parks, and parking.
Architecturally this is among the most interesting of buildings with its classical details. The columns, pediments, pilasters, and balustrade at roof level create a dignified presence. The ground floor appears to have been modernized, likely for offices with a grid of modern windows inset within this historic building.
This history themed mural effectively utilizes a large exposed wall. A painted storefront gives way to silhouettes of nautical and historical figures and themes. The color palette is distinctive and reminiscent of flames or evening sunset.
A tiled mosaic is applied to the side of another building with a colorful fish, with a reflection of the fish shape beneath and a stylized wave.
Tommy Boys Cafe also brings some outdoor dining on to the sidewalk. This friendly gesture signals to passersby this might be a good place to visit and linger.
A pop art themed mural on the side wall calls attention to the cafe, while another extolls the virtues of how art heals.
This hand painted sign on a curved metal panel helps the business stand out by presenting “ANTIQUES” in stylized letters that are somewhat distorted to fit the panel. This provided a final creative and artistic touch that if elaborated upon in other locations will make Toms River an even more attractive place.
One last note as we left was the back of the welcome sign that had the writing “Thank you for visiting Toms River.” It’s important to remember most freestanding signs like this are two-sided signs. Having text on both sides is important. In comparison the back of signs in Metuchen, NJ, are all left blank. This is a detail that Toms River gets right.
Absolutely beautiful