45th Street Village is coming back to life, bigger and better than before. The Village is not just a shopping center, it’s a destination. Just ask Dan Kozma, owner of D.A. Kozma, Ltd. Fine Jewelers, where beachgoers return year after year for Ocean City jewelry and custom design pieces. “I’m the only one who’s been here since the beginning,” he said. “I never closed.” Kozma described the way families gathered at the Village to stroll from store to store, getting a hot dog here, an ice cream cone there, and beach souvenirs in between. “People were sad when they heard it was going to be torn down,” he said.
John Bilous and Kathy Schwartz, owners of Beach Blossoms (formerly Boyd’s Country) were forced to relocate when the Village was torn down. “When we heard 45th Street Village was under reconstruction, we were so happy to get back,” said John. Beach Blossoms still carries the famous Boyd’s Bears and Yankee Candles, as well as collectibles, cards, handbags, and home accessories. Expansion plans are already underway to add collectible art and accent furniture. “Everything is getting a face lift,” said John. “If you’re looking for a place to go in Ocean City, this is it!”
Back in the late 70’s, the Village was a hotel/motel with cottages and stores. “It was always a destination place,” said Kozma, who’s been in the Village since 1981 – and it will be again, with construction expected to be completed by Memorial Day.
According to Sharona Ezaoui from Sunsations, the property owners decided to re-do the entire center, renovate inside and out, with colorful new facades and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs. Sunsations – one of 14 in the area – will also be located in the Village, where you can purchase everything from beach umbrellas to bathing suits and the perfect souvenir.
Food and fun options include a Nite Club, The Boat House Family Restaurant, Mexican Food Store, Pizza Parlor, Ice Cream and Candy Store, and a Coffee Shop that’s open 24-hours-a-day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a toy store for young shoppers; and before you leave the Village, let the friendly folks at the new Photo Imaging Shop take your picture for a fun visual memory of your vacation.
Come and join us in the 45th Street Village for an unforgettable vacation. And if you’d like to become part of the fun and adventure of the Village family of business owners, please call Property Manager James Ezaoui at
410-250-8200, or 443-497-2467. |
