New vision transforms Oyster Point

CHRIS KELLY staff James Barry, general manager of the Oyster Point Hotel, and son Kevin Barry, who is spearheading its revisioning as a boutique hotel.

RED BANK — The Oyster Point Hotel, a newly renovated contemporary boutique hotel tucked away on the Navesink River has completed a multi-million dollar redesign project.

When the 58-room waterside hotel was due for new windows, Kevin Barry, project manager and second-generation hotelier for J.P. Barry Hospitality, had big ideas for the hotel located at 146 Bodman Place.

After graduating from Newbury College with a degree in hotel administration, Barry, 24, worked at a Boston hotel where he gained firsthand experience in guest services, housekeeping, and food and beverage management.

At the same time, he developed his own ideas about creating a look and ambiance that would draw visitors to return to a hotel. Barry was working at a Boston hotel when the opportunity arose to transform the Oyster Point Hotel; he seized it and signed on to manage the project.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Left and above: A new color palette and contemporary design features have updated common areas at the Oyster Point Hotel including the lobby. Below left: The decision to replace the hotel's aging windows sparked a total redo of the riverfront hotel.

"That's when my father called and said, 'Your grandfather and your mother are working on a project at Oyster Point — do you have any interest in coming home and helping us out?' I said, 'Absolutely,' " he recounted.

"My grandfather owns the building, and it all started with the windows. At first we were just going to do a face-lift and redo the rooms, and then it snowballed," Barry said.

"The hotel was built in the '80s and it was very traditional. I felt that it needed its own identity; it was the redheaded stepchild of the Molly Pitcher," he said. Barry's family also owns the hotel located down the road at 88 Riverside Ave, known affectionately as "The Molly."

Planning began in September 2008 and construction began last December. It took five months for the rooms and windows to be completed.

"We're still working on the finishing touches, like the deck, which just got finished today," Barry said, gesturing at the deck overlooking the Navesink that is complete with marina access.

Architect Scott Hilje, of White Plains, created the building redesign.

"Our goal was to create warm and contemporary urban design that enhances the hotel's connection to water and nature," Barry said.

Barry collaborated with his mother, Esto Barry, a designer and member of the hotel's management, and Texas-based interior designer Vicki Smith to generate design concepts,

"My mom really has an eye for decorating," Barry said. "To carry out our design concept, we created a palette of textured black, chocolate and cream fabrics, carpets and furnishings."

"Contemporary design finishes throughout the public areas, guest rooms, ballrooms and meeting rooms and upgrades in guest services take the hotel to a level of luxury that will attract the most sophisticated travelers," said Barry.

Pearl, the Oyster Point's restaurant, is a place to enjoy contemporary fusion cuisine with tastes of Asia and the American Southwest from breakfast through dinner.

Barry's vision is for the Atrium Lounge to become a destination where people come to unwind after work, meet friends, or enjoy an after-theater or concert rendezvous. Plans for a live jazz series will enhance the experience.

"We really played with the design here," Barry said of the open elevator shaft that makes up one side of the lounge.

Infusing the hotel's public spaces with contemporary arts is another one of his priorities. Rotating exhibitions of artwork by local artists are planned for the hotel's second floor that houses ballroom and meeting rooms.

The hotel's ballrooms can accommodate up to 250 guests for weddings, social and business functions. "You get all the benefits of N.Y.C. without any of the hassle. The focus is on customer service. We keep it personal," Barry said.

Growing up in a family dedicated to hospitality, Barry said he always enjoyed visiting the family's hotels.

"Sick days were the best because my mom and dad would be here. I would get to come to the hotel and order room service and play in the rooms all day," he said.

At age 12, when Barry got his working papers, he started working at the Oyster Point and Molly Pitcher's marina as a dock attendant for the next eight years.

"I never really had to try anything else. I've always loved the hospitality industry. I watched my parents and it just flowed," Barry said.

During college, Barry interned and took on greater responsibilities at the family's hotels, which are owned by his grandfather, Kevork Hovnanian, and managed by his father.

"It was a totally different ball game. I worked the front desk and housekeeping and realized I had a lot more to learn," said Barry.

"After I graduated, I went to work at a hotel, and they didn't want me because they didn't take my working for my father as a serious experience. Then someone finally gave me a job, but they said you have to start at the front desk," he said.

"So I said OK, and it taught me so much. The front desk is really the hub of the hotel. You deal with every aspect, especially customer service."

Barry said pursuing a career in hospitality was a natural to him.

Over dinner, the family frequently discussed the latest projects and developments at family hotels, describing the atmosphere as warm and supportive with creative minds exploring ideas and brainstorming solutions.

"Everyone's so close. It's fun. We have a big family dinner every Sunday. My parents are my friends. We have a great relationship," he said.

"There is some pressure. I have some huge shoes to fill, but it's exciting," Barry said about his father James Barry, the hotel's general manager.

As a family business based in the Red Bank community, working with domestic suppliers and local vendors was a priority for the renovation.

"Working with the local community made it easier to smooth out any problems that came up," said Barry.

With the construction phase complete ahead of time and under budget, Barry has moved into hotel operations.

"I look forward to introducing the newly revitalized Oyster Point Hotel and attracting people to the hotel with superb service that matches the elegantly upgraded structure," said Barry.