Approved by the state’s economic development board, the credit would fund a visitor center, Lucy’s interior restoration, and a surrounding park. Groundbreaking is targeted for April 2027.
Down in Margate, New Jersey, Lucy the Elephant has survived the impossible—a move over fifty years ago, a close call with demolition, and even a scare over federal funding. But still, Lucy the Elephant lives. Now, she enters a new phase of life.
The NJEDA board unanimously approved a $5.4 million state tax credit for Lucy through the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE), according to NJ.com. The program aims to support projects at arts and cultural venues within the state through tax credits.
The credit would help fund a new ADA-compliant visitor and interpretive center, completion of Lucy’s interior restoration, and a park around the site. The park would include a half-block replica of Margate’s historic boardwalk as its grand entrance.
For those closely involved with Lucy the Elephant, it marks a significant step forward in a process that began 17 months ago, and included more than $125,000 in expenses just to advance the application alone, according to a press release from Executive Director Richard Helfant. “There is still work to do, but today we moved one giant step closer to securing Lucy’s future,” said Board President Jason Tell, according to NJ.com.
Lucy the Elephant, a New Jersey Legend
Lucy the Elephant is much more than just a whimsical piece of art. To locals, it’s an important piece of New Jersey history.
Built in 1881, Lucy the Elephant is designated a National Historic Landmark, often described as the oldest roadside attraction in America.
Despite her long history and local allure, Lucy’s future wasn’t always a guarantee.
In 1969, under the ownership of the Gertzen family, Lucy was slated for demolition after they couldn’t afford to pay for needed repairs. However, she was taken off death row after a group of concerned citizens who called themselves the “Save Lucy Committee” banded together to raise the money. As a result, the Gertzens donated Lucy to the Committee.
The following year in 1970, Lucy was transported two blocks away to a new home, where she still lives today.
Next up is the governor’s review. NJ.com reports that the NJEDA board’s meeting minutes go to Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who has two weeks to veto items of concern, after which the authority is expected to issue a formal letter confirming the award and any conditions.
If the timeline holds, Lucy’s leadership is targeting an April 2027 groundbreaking, with 12 to 16 months of construction and a ribbon-cutting by mid-2028.
Long live Lucy.
Looking for more? Check out our deep dive on Lucy the Elephant here.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
