This ongoing project was inspired by the physical transformation of the Seaside Heights boardwalk after Hurricane Sandy.

The absence of the boardwalk created a forlorn sense of vulnerability and in this empty space, punctuated by carnival signage and bright color, the barking phrases of amusement and chance spoke only to the waves. In the three years since Sandy the Casino pier and most of the boardwalk has been rebuilt, but the fate of the Funtown Pier, destroyed by a fire in 2013, remains undeciided.

My family once owned a steak house in Seaside and though that was many years ago I still feel a bond with the town and it's carnival by the sea atmosphere. As anyone who’s been there will tell you, without the boardwalk Seaside would be just another beach town.

On September 12th 2013, nearly a year after Hurricane Sandy and 100 years after the first amusement ride was built in Seaside, a fire broke out under the southern portion of Funtown Pier. The flames, which sparked to life just after 2:00 pm, were fanned by a strong southern wind. In less than 6 hours the fire consumed the pier and 4 blocks of boardwalk and buildings. Most of Seaside's boarwalk was undamaged by the fire, but a four block open space now stands where rides and arcades once stood, providing a clear view to the sea.