T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and Fortune Square in Red Bank host successful Ribbon Cutting

Roger Mumford Homes and the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in honor of the Grand Opening of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and the debut of Fortune Square.

RED BANK, NJ – The T. Thomas Fortune Foundation hosted a successful Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last week in honor of the grand opening of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and the debut of Fortune Square. Following a welcome by Mark Fitzsimmons, Rabbi Marc Kline offered an invocation. The event also featured a solo by Kyne Rogers, as well as distinguished speakers that included Dr. Walter D. Greason, President of the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Monmouth University; Dr. Shawn L. Alexander, Director of Langston Hughes Center and Professor of the African and African American Studies at the University of Kansas; Edward Zipprich, President of the Red Bank Council; Al James, President of the Red Bank Men’s Club Foundation; Lilian Burry and Gerry Scharfenberger – Chosen Freeholders; Gilda Rogers, Vice President of the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation, and Roger Mumford, Principal Investor of Roger Mumford Homes. The ceremony concluded with closing comments and prayer by Rev. Terrence K. Porter of Pilgrim Baptist Church and tours of the cultural center.

“This was an auspicious occasion for the town of Red Bank, the history of the state and country,” said Rogers. “Over the years, members of the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation have worked diligently with building developer, Roger Mumford, to save this valuable piece of real estate known as “Maple Hall” by T. Thomas Fortune. While always believing the dream would be fulfilled – to restore the former home of the African American journalist and social justice crusader, T. Thomas Fortune, we are proud to announce the opening of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center at Fortune Square.”

The cultural center serves to introduce students and others to T Thomas Fortune, a brilliant man who many consider to be the bridge to the modern civil rights movement. “After diligent effort and perseverance, the dream of restoring the former home of African American journalist and social justice crusader, T. Thomas Fortune, has finally been realized,” said Roger Mumford of Roger Mumford Homes.

Located in West Red Bank, the T. Thomas Fortune House is one of only two National Historic Landmarks in New Jersey that relate to African American history. Mumford offered to restore the home and donate it as a cultural center in conjunction with the development of Fortune Square, 31 rental residences that are designed in the same 19th century style as the cultural center “Maple Hall”.

Gleaming with quality craftsmanship, striking architectural details and fabulous interiors, the residences at Fortune Square pay homage to the civil rights advocate that once resided on the property. “This intimate offering of 31 luxury apartments is located just behind the cultural center,” according to Mumford. “The theme and architectural detail of Maple Hall is integrated into the architecture at Fortune Square.”

The community features one-bedroom apartments with one-and-a-half baths and up to 1,051 sq. ft. of living space, and two-bedroom apartments with two baths and up to 1,203 sq. ft. of living space. “People regularly comment that Fortune Square feels like a boutique high-end hotel in New York with its beautiful finishes and exquisite detail as highlighted throughout the common areas and individual apartments,” Mumford added.

Homes highlight extra-large bedrooms with built-ins (per plan); complete Samsung appliance packages, and LED lighting in individual apartments. The community also boasts elevator access, an onsite fitness center and gorgeous lobbies on each level with honed marble and feature black and white images from the 20th century that celebrate Red Bank. “Fortune Square represents a unique opportunity to live symbiotically with such rich history,” Mumford added.

Just five minutes from Garden State Parkway Exit 109, Fortune Square is located at 94 Drs James Parker Boulevard in Red Bank. Rental residences are priced from $1,945 per month. To learn more about Fortune Square at Red Bank or to sign up to be a VIP, visit FortuneSquareRedBank.com.

About Roger Mumford Homes
Roger Mumford Homes was founded in 2005 by Roger Mumford, former President and Co-founder of the Matzel & Mumford Organization, which built over 75 new home communities in New Jersey. The builder has since earned multiple awards in recognition of its excellence in design and detail, reinforcing its brand and reputation. To learn more, please visit RogerMumfordHomes.com or call 732.842.1580.