A club that famously hosted Snooki and her friends on MTV’s “Jersey Shore” has met the wrecking ball and will be replaced with a new mixed-use project that was recently greenlit by Seaside Heights.
Over the Christmas holiday, demolition crews worked hard at tearing down what was left of Karma at 401 Boulevard. The nightclub had operated for years under the reign of John Saddy but had not been in business since 2018 after Seaside Heights revoked their liquor license.
The club’s rowdy reputation created some issues and sparked a nasty battle. The former owner of Karma sued Seaside Heights at one point, claiming that local law enforcement was discriminatory and overaggressive towards guests.
Down goes the iconic sign @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/HoV99Eso9I
— Jim Murdoch (@ReporterJim) December 27, 2023
Karma’s standing stemmed in part from its showcase on “Jersey Shore” which chronicled the cast’s misadventures at the club. Deena was kicked out of the property during one episode for flashing customers, while Jenni “JWoww” Farley infamously peed behind a closed upstairs bar during the show’s run.
The property was sold at auction in 2020 after Karma closed its doors amidst a bankruptcy and Seaside Heights officials approved a redevelopment plan for the land last summer.
The borough has been looking to transform the landscape into a more family-friendly destination, and a new development approved by the planning board in November attempts to do just that.
Designed by MODE Architects, a new project dubbed The Boulevard is slated to include 38 units and rise just over 52 feet. Three commercial spaces are included on the ground floor of the project, which includes perks like a rooftop deck and indoor pool for future residents.
The development team behind the project hopes to hit the ground running now that the property is razed and aims to deliver The Boulevard before the end of 2024.
Karma’s demise means that it joins the Bamboo Bar on the scrap heap, a neighboring club that was also torn down in 2021 and featured prominently on “Jersey Shore.” A development called the Lofts at Bamboo is planned for that property.
