Two of Atlantic City’s landmark venues are to receive multi-million dollar facelifts in an effort to make them more appealing for convention business and hosting concerts and sporting events.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority will pump $110 million into upgrades at Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center over the next five years.
Work will focus on updates to heating, plumbing ventilation and cooling systems and each venue will also undergo roof and floor repairs and decor improvements.
CDRA executive director John Palmieri said ‘dozens and dozens of things’ will be upgraded at Boardwalk Hall and the convention center.
Palmieri said a plan for converting the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall into a venue more suitable for concerts and boxing matches is being considered.
CDRA will fund the construction works by selling bonds and will the project will start as soon as a construction schedule has been agreed.
The 85-year-old Boardwalk Hall received a major refurbishment costing $90 million back in 2001 and the convention center opened for business in 1997.
Troubled Atlantic City has been trying hard to reinvent itself with a stronger push for high volume convention business in the wake of several high profile casino resort closures.
Atlantic City gaming revenues have been on the slide since 2007, due to both economic factors and more intense competition from casinos in neighboring states.
