RED BANK, NJ — THRIVE Red Bank, a first-of-its-kind neuroinclusive apartment building, has broken ground in Red Bank and is set to open in 2027.
The three-story, 34,000-square-foot residential building will provide 32 one-bedroom apartments for independent living, with the first floor dedicated to amenities such as a shared community engagement space, a teaching kitchen, health and wellness space, a sensory space and more.
The groundbreaking for the new space took place on July 30 with THRIVE Red Bank Partners, board members from Parents With A Plan, representatives from the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, public officials, community members and neurodivergent advocates in attendance.
The building will open at 273 Shrewsbury Ave. at Drs. James Parker Blvd, Red Bank.
“THRIVE Red Bank is a new standard in neuroinclusive housing, a cause that is deeply personal to me,” said Karen Fluharty, Parents With A Plan Founder and General Partner of THRIVE Red Bank, who is the single mother of her neurodivergent, 23-year-old son Ryan.
“After an exhaustive search nationwide, we were really shocked by the lack of options, the lack of quality, and the lack of innovation in housing and programming for the neurodivergent population,” Fluharty said. “What happens to our adult children when we are no longer here to care for them? How do we create best-in-class housing that’s supportive and creates welcoming communities for people like my son?”
“This is a heartbreaking dilemma faced by millions of families in New Jersey and around the United States, as we plan the futures for our young adults,” she continued.
“Frequently, these young adults ‘fall off the services cliff’ when they age out of the educational entitlement system at 21, and far too many ‘graduate to the couch,’ living at home with parents who are aging,” Fluharty said. “I was determined not to let this happen to Ryan — or to other young adults who need stable housing and a supportive community to live happy, productive, independent lives.”
In 2019, Fluharty, a retail real estate executive with a global background in marketing, joined forces with longtime friend and colleague John Klein to establish THRIVE Red Bank, headquartered in Red Bank.
Their mission was further strengthened through a collaboration with Parents With A Plan, an NJ-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding neuroinclusive housing environments.
Together, they aim to develop innovative residential models and promote best practices that support the long-term success and well-being of neurodivergent individuals.
“Besides being a labor of love and serving a critical need, I believe THRIVE Red Bank will serve as a blueprint for a national model of scalable neuroinclusive housing solutions,” said John Klein, Managing Partner of THRIVE Red Bank.
As an NJ community leader with years of executive experience in real estate development, Klein is the former CEO of Simon Premium Outlets and has spent decades working on large-scale developments, executive leadership and community engagement — both professionally and in serving on various boards in and around Monmouth County.
“I’m excited to bring my experience, relationships and dedication to inclusive community building to guide THRIVE Red Bank’s mission of fostering sustainable, neurodiverse living environments,” Klein said.
Klein, his wife Robin, and Fluharty have been close friends and colleagues from the shopping industry for over 30 years. Klein and his wife are also beloved aunt and uncle figures to Fluharty’s son, Ryan.
“Red Bank is uniquely suited to be THRIVE’s first location for many reasons,” said Robin Klein, General Partner of THRIVE and Parents With A Plan founding Board Member.
In addition to serving on numerous nonprofit boards throughout the Monmouth County region, Robin Klein also brings extensive experience in commercial real estate, strategic management, and community leadership to THRIVE.
“Red Bank also offers our future residents genuine community connection,” Robin Klein said. “They will have access to public transit — which is vital, as many neurodivergent adults do not drive — and to a vibrant mix of businesses and nonprofit organizations that provide opportunities for employment, volunteering, arts and culture, and meaningful engagement."
"Ultimately, it will offer them something so many seek," Klein continued. "A true place to call home.”
Red Bank has been a center of commerce, culture, transportation, and inclusivity from the 19th century to today, Mayor William (Billy) Portman said.
He added that this is an opportunity for Red Bank to “pave the way for true community development projects and create meaningful, authentic community inclusion.”
In addition to their groundbreaking for the new apartment building, THRIVE Red Bank will also debut a public/private partnership with the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) that will create a new standard of excellence in neuroinclusive housing.
Residents will benefit from the expertise of Rutgers’ senior clinical faculty and highly trained clinical staff, while university students from a variety of academic disciplines will receive hands-on training and intensive supervision.
“This is a pioneering combination of expertise, including accomplished professionals from real estate, academia, and community building,” said Christopher Manente, PhD., BCBA, Founding Executive Director of RCAAS.
“For nearly a decade, RCAAS has provided life-changing services and support to over 300 adults on the autism spectrum to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives,” Manente continued. “Simultaneously, we have advanced innovative research and trained hundreds of students to support the lifelong success of autistic and other neurodivergent adults with a wide range of support needs.”
“This is an important day for RCAAS, Parents With A Plan, and the entire community of neurodivergent people living in New Jersey,” Manente said.
According to John Klein, one in 29 children is diagnosed with autism in New Jersey, while one in 31 children is diagnosed nationwide. According to Autism Speaks, one in 45 adults in the U.S. has autism, Klein said.
“There has never been greater need for the neuroinclusive housing we are creating at THRIVE Red Bank,” Klein said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mayor Portman, N.J. State Senator Vin Gopal and Monmouth County Commissioner Thomas Arnone, all of whom have been hugely supportive, at the groundbreaking, and look forward to welcoming our residents in 2027.”
Applications for THRIVE Red Bank are open and can be found here. For more information on the project, you can click here.
THRIVE Red Bank will open at 273 Shrewsbury Ave. at Drs. James Parker Blvd, Red Bank.
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