Historic Districts
Historic Districts have been designated within the Borough of Keyport to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the Borough through the preservation of historic buildings and structures. These historic districts, designated in accordance with Keyport Borough Code §2-7.6(f), are created for advisory purposes only and do not constitute an amendment to the Borough of Keyport zoning ordinance.
The creation of these Historic Districts is intended to:
- Safeguard the heritage of the Borough by preserving resources which reflect elements of our cultural, social, economic and architectural history;
- Encourage the continued use of historic landmarks and to facilitate their appropriate reuse;
- Promote appreciation of historic districts for education, pleasure and the welfare of the local populations;
- Maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for the historic and architecturally significant buildings, structures and districts;
- Foster beautification and private reinvestment;
- Discourage unnecessary demolition of historic resources;
- Encourage the proper maintenance and preservation of historic districts;
- Enhance the visual and aesthetic character and diversity of the Borough;
- Promote the conservation of historic districts and to invite voluntary compliance.The initial historic inventory survey of Keyport was prepared by Gail Hunton and James C. McCabe (1980-1984). The survey was funded by the Monmouth County Parks System and a Historic Preservation Survey and Planning Grant from the National Park Service administered through the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office with additional assistance from the Monmouth County Historical Association and the Monmouth County Planning Board.
The Monmouth County Historic Sites Inventory is available for public review at the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, NJDEP in Trenton (609) 292-2023 and the Monmouth County Historical Association in Freehold (732) 462-1466.
Keyport Sites Inventory categorizing property structures as follows:
- Listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or New Jersey State Register (SR)
- Not Eligible for the NRHS or SR
- Potentially eligible for the NRHP (requires additional research)
- Eligible as part of a recommended historic district
- Individually eligible and eligible as part of a recommended historic district
Culture
Keyport’s numerous historic homes and beautiful gardens provide a sense of charm that lends the perfect backdrop for artistry. Craftsmanship has been mainstay of this waterfront community from shipbuilding to aviating starting in the mid-1800’s. In the early 1900s, Beach Park, formerly known as Pavilion Beach, was an entertainment hub hosting bands, concerts, dancing and ‘high-class’ vaudeville. Majors Lounge, formerly located on Atlantic Street, was referred as “New Jersey Apollo Theatre” with performances by well-known entertainers such as Jackie Wilson, Little Richard, and James Brown.
In 2016, the Monmouth County Master Plan identified the Borough of Keyport as a recognized Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) Hub. This special designation is given to communities that host high concentration of arts and cultural activities.