Four Decades · Cape May County, NJ
A Colahan Family
Legacy at the Shore
Four decades. 150+ coastal projects. One family's commitment to building homes that belong on the barrier islands.
The Beginning
One Home at a Time
What started as a single family's conviction — that the Jersey Shore deserved homes built with the same care as the communities around them — became a business defined by relationships. Relationships with the families who trusted us with their aging homes. With the Realtors who introduced us to three generations of their clients. With the tradespeople who've been on Colahan job sites for twenty and thirty years.
Today, Redfern Ocean is continuing under the next generation. The markets have changed. Elevation requirements have rewritten what shore building looks like. Buyer expectations have moved toward modern, open, rental-capable homes. Insurance has become its own economic force. But the principle the business was built on hasn't changed: treat every property, every family, and every partner the way you'd want to be treated if it were yours.
The Team
Four Partners, One Family
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Founder & Managing Partner
Jim Colahan
Legacy, family, long-arc market perspective
Jim founded Redfern Ocean Development with a single conviction: that the Jersey Shore deserved homes built with the same care as the communities around them. Over four decades, that one-home-at-a-time beginning grew into one of South Jersey's most established coastal development firms. Jim's perspective spans the full arc of barrier island transformation — from the cottage era through elevation mandates to the modern redevelopment market.
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Partner
Kevin Colahan
Development economics, market analytics, strategy
Kevin leads Redfern Ocean's acquisition and development strategy. His focus is on the numbers: lot-value analysis, redevelopment feasibility, zoning economics, and market positioning. Kevin built the firm's lot-value calculator and data infrastructure, and writes about what the numbers actually say about shore real estate.
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Partner
Jen McIlhenny
Design, finishes, on-site walkthroughs
Jen McIlhenny drives design selections across Redfern Ocean's projects and is regularly on-site for walkthroughs and open houses. Her eye for finishes, materials, and what makes a shore home work for real buyers shapes every project from the kitchen layout to the exterior palette.
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Partner
Jeff Colahan
Showings, buyer relations, field operations
Jeff is hands-on with showings and on-site execution across Cape May County. He sees what buyers actually respond to — not what they say they want, but what stops them in their tracks during a walkthrough. His field perspective keeps the firm grounded in market reality.
Our Model
What Makes Us Different
We don't list or sell properties
Redfern Ocean is a developer, not a brokerage. Every sale is handled through local Realtors, and Realtor commissions are protected by written commitment. Our business has been built alongside the Realtor community.
We pay for value, not for pressure
The wholesale cash-buyer market pays, on average, 60-80% of market value. We pay top redevelopment-based pricing because our business depends on sellers trusting us — and on the reputation that brings referrals.
We evaluate honestly
Not every home should be torn down. Some should be renovated. Some should be listed traditionally. Our first conversation is an honest evaluation, not a pitch — even when the answer doesn't include us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Redfern Ocean been in business?
Redfern Ocean Development was founded by Jim Colahan over four decades ago. The firm has been active in South Jersey coastal real estate development for 40+ years.
Is Redfern Ocean a real estate brokerage?
No. Redfern Ocean is a developer, not a brokerage. We do not list or sell properties. Every sale involving Redfern Ocean is handled through local Realtors with written commission protection.
What towns does Redfern Ocean serve?
We serve the barrier island and bayfront communities of Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, Ocean City, and Strathmere in Cape May County, New Jersey.
How is Redfern Ocean different from cash buyers?
Wholesale cash buyers typically pay 60-80% of market value. Redfern Ocean pays top redevelopment-based pricing because our business depends on trust, reputation, and referrals from the communities we serve.
40+ years · 150+ projects · One family
Considering your options?
Whether it's an older shore home, an inherited property, or a redevelopment opportunity — start with a grounded conversation. No pressure, no obligation.