Brick Life

Brick Church Plans 48-Foot Bell Tower, Addition and Outdoor Café Social Area

by
Daniel Nee
February 11, 2025

A new bell tower at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Brick, N.J. (Planning Document)

The largest Roman Catholic church in Brick Township is planning to replace an aging part of the church with a modern bell tower, a stained glass facade, and an outdoor social area with a small cafe.

The application for St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, on Old Squan Road, will be heard by the township’s planning board Wednesday night. The improvements to the property, which includes both the church as well as a school, gymnasium and administrative offices, do not require any variance relief and conform to the township’s codes. The planning board is reviewing the application because the project requires an updated site plan to be filed with the township.

St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Brick, N.J. (Planning Document)

A new bell tower at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Brick, N.J. (Planning Document)

According to a memo issued by Township Planner Tara Paxton, St. Dominic will add a 48-foot bell tower to its main entrance, replacing an aging bell tower currently mounted on the roof. The project also includes a 2,200 square foot addition to the southeast side of the building which will serve as a coffee cafe, social area with seating, glass windows, storage, outdoor seating and access to the bell tower. The facade of the structure will be partially encased in recycled stained glass.

A new bell tower at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Brick, N.J. (Planning Document)

The original church was approved for construction in 1963 and previously expanded on numerous occasions over the past six decades to add a parish center, more classrooms, athletic fields and storage areas.

The planning board is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the township municipal complex.