Honoring Historic Beauty and Charm

In 2024, Spring Lake celebrated a milestone that reflects the very character of the town: the 25th anniversary of the Preservation Alliance of Spring Lake. 

What began in 1999 as a small gathering of neighbors concerned about losing the town’s historic charm has grown into a dedicated nonprofit with 287 members who share one mission: to protect the beauty, architecture, and spirit that make Spring Lake unique. 

As the Alliance took shape, it elected officers and outlined preservation goals that would help protect the town’s most cherished places. Among them were advocating for a historic preservation ordinance, restoring the North End Pavilion’s ceramic tiles, preserving the Ballingarry Gardens, rehabilitating the Duggan Building, restoring the Spring Lake Gates, and establishing annual preservation awards to honor thoughtful stewardship. 

The Alliance’s earliest efforts were simple and heartfelt. Working with the Spring Lake Historical Society, members sold handmade cotton throws patterned after the Pavilion’s iconic tiles, with proceeds supporting the Tile Preservation Fund. It was a simple gesture—neighbors helping neighbors—but it set the tone for everything that followed. 

Over time, the Alliance became a trusted collaborator. Working with local leaders and organizations, it supports projects that strengthen Spring Lake’s historic identity. 

A partnership with Community House’s “Caring Neighbors for a Better Spring Lake” brought new life to Potter Park, including the construction of a central gazebo that now anchors the space. 

The Alliance also works closely with the Borough on preservation minded improvements. When sidewalk replacements became necessary, members offered suggestions that led to the installation of brick sidewalks and attractive streetlamps...features that have become signatures of Spring Lake’s landscape. 

Saving a Landmark

One of the Alliance’s earliest and most defining challenges came in 1999, when the Frederic A. Duggan Memorial First Aid and Emergency Squad Building faced demolition. Built in 1929, the structure was the oldest First Aid/Emergency Station of its kind in the United States. 

Rather than letting a piece of history disappear, the Alliance rallied residents, local organizations, and donors. They helped the Borough secure State and County preservation approvals and funding for roughly half the construction costs. Their combined efforts saved the building, restored it, expanded it, and returned it to public use—all at limited cost to the Borough. 

Today, Duggan Hall stands proudly, listed on both the National and New Jersey Registries of Historic Sites. Its preservation remains one of the Alliance’s most enduring triumphs. 

The Alliance has also supported maintaining the historic appearance of major reconstruction projects throughout town—from the rustic Devine Park bridges to the North and South Pool and Pavilion buildings, and portions of Borough Hall. 

Honoring the Past

Homeowners often turn to the Alliance for support when appealing to the Planning Board for historic variances, and many have succeeded in protecting the integrity of their homes. Linda and Peter Foy have restored four homes in Spring Lake, including their residence at 106 Sussex Avenue, which was built 149 years ago. The Foys have worked closely with the Alliance during their restorations, but as Linda says, “restoring an old house is always a work in progress”. She goes on to say, “I love the era of these houses; the nostalgia of that time gone by. Restoring the beauty of that time is important to us. It helps keep the character of Spring Lake flourishing.”   

According to current president, Joe Rizzo, “Each year, the Alliance hosts a Preservation Awards Ceremony recognizing homes and buildings that exemplify thoughtful restoration. Since 1999, more than 142 properties have been honored, with hundreds more waiting in the wings.” Joe was named “Citizen of the Year” in 2024 for his extraordinary service and many contributions to the community. 

Walk through Spring Lake today, and you’ll see the Alliance’s influence everywhere...in preserved Victorian homes, carefully restored porches, and architectural details that might otherwise have been lost. Lou and Tammy Taylor, whose family has been part of Spring Lake for over fifty years, restored their 1896 home at 204 Mercer with the Alliance’s guidance. Taylor’s home boasts the largest front porch in Spring Lake. 

“The Alliance is a very important institution that encourages homeowners to preserve the architectural history of homes throughout the town.” Lou Taylor notes, “the Alliance explained the benefits of restoring the home and that maintaining the architectural integrity is important in helping to foster the town’s uniqueness. That uniqueness benefits all homeowners. We bought the house in 2014. It took about a year to get it in shape with the help and guidance of the Alliance.” 

Connected Through Preservation 

Members take special pride in the annual Preservation Gazette, a newsletter that chronicles projects, celebrates achievements, and reminds residents of the value of working together.  It has become a symbol of the organization’s dedication and of Spring Lake’s enduring appreciation for its own history. 

The Preservation Alliance meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM in Duggan Hall on Washington Avenue. All are welcome. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to town, the Alliance offers a place to learn, contribute, and help ensure that Spring Lake’s historic charm continues to thrive for generations. 

To learn more about the Alliance, visit their interesting website: preservationspringlake.com.

Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident, member of the Holly Club of Sea Girt, and author of the “Sisterhood of Diabetes.”