VACATION RENTAL IN NATIONAL HISTORIC CITY | Cape May, NJ

VARIANCES & VARIATIONS...

The Challenge: 

Our clients dreamed of a modern shore house in historic Cape May, but the property they owned was a developer's puzzle. Tucked away on a non-conforming lot, accessible only by a narrow easement, the site was constrained by both the rigorous Cape May Historic Board and new, demanding FEMA flood regulations. The challenge wasn't just to design a house, but to forge a viable Development path—to unlock the hidden value of a property that many would have considered unbuildable.

The FADE Approach: 

Our journey began not with sketching, but with strategy. The "D" in our FADE philosophy—Development—led the way. Our first role was to create a roadmap through the complex regulatory maze. We successfully navigated the approvals process by demonstrating how our modern design could be a sensitive addition to the historic neighborhood. We turned the project's constraints into its greatest assets. For instance, the strict FEMA requirement to elevate the structure became an opportunity to create a more valuable property with dramatic, light-filled 22-foot ceilings and a unique "tower" design. The logistical challenge of the tight site access was solved through a carefully planned Fabrication strategy, using prefabricated wall panels that were craned into place to ensure precision and speed. We were able to navigate the process successfully under our predicted schedule.

The Outcome: 

The result is a testament to a development-led design process. What was once a challenging, non-conforming lot has been transformed into a valuable, resilient, and one-of-a-kind modern home that adds character to the neighborhood. By seamlessly integrating our skills in Development, Architecture, and Fabrication, we successfully unlocked the property's true potential, creating a hidden gem where our clients and their family can build generations of summer memories.