By Joshua Burd
A major expansion is underway at Atlantic City’s Showboat Resort, now a family entertainment destination, with the help of more than $4 million in newly approved state funding.
The Economic Development Authority said Friday the grant would support a plan that includes an 18,000-square-foot addition to the Lucky Snake Arcade and Raceway, as well as the purchase and installation of arcade games and attractions additional. The project also includes the construction of an open-air entrance along the Showboat’s promenade frontage, additional food and beverage outlets, the installation of a 10-lane bowling alley and a children’s play area with private party rooms.
The award of $4.2 million through the EDA’s Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program will give new momentum to the former casino property, acquired by developer Bart Blatstein in 2016. That led to a multi-phase plan to reinvent the place, making way for the arcade, a sports bar. , indoor spaces for live performances and enhanced convention and meeting spaces, as well as a recently completed $100 million indoor water park.
Last month, the EDA Board of Directors also allocated nearly $4 million in additional funding to help reopen the application window for Atlantic City’s grant program in the coming months, allowing it to continue to support construction projects throughout the resort.
“Under the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey has focused on investing in Atlantic City to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth that will have impact for years to come,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the authority. “With this award, Showboat can expand its family-friendly entertainment options and make significant improvements to continue to attract residents and visitors.” NJEDA is excited to reopen applications for the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program so we can continue to support major redevelopment projects, support small businesses, improve downtown vitality, and create good-paying jobs to support families across the city.
Jacquelyn A. Suárez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees Atlantic City’s budget and finances, added: “The Showboat Family Entertainment Center marked the beginning of a new era for Atlantic City – an era that offers attractions for families with children of all ages,” said: “We are excited about the success of the Family Showboat and are delighted that it is already expanding to include more attractions for children and the young at heart. This venue demonstrates that creative projects can thrive in Atlantic City and that the Murphy administration is prepared to support such projects that have a positive impact on the community.
The EDA noted that currently, Showboat is one of the few places in Atlantic City to offer year-round indoor entertainment options for families. The latest expansion will allow the property to update and modernize its current entertainment center so it can continue to offer reasonably priced, family-friendly entertainment.
With these improvements, Showboat will now also look to offer additional educational and sporting activities to local schools and organizations so they can utilize the space throughout the year, according to a press release.
“Showboat is thrilled with the support of the State of New Jersey to promote year-round family entertainment in Atlantic City,” said Blatstein, owner of Showboat Properties LLC and CEO of Philadelphia-based Tower Investments LLC. “Atlantic City has been and will continue to be a world-class destination. »
Approved in December 2023, the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program focuses on combating the negative impacts of COVID-19 by supporting real estate development projects, including the rehabilitation of existing structures or new construction, says the press release. Grants will continue to support up to 50 percent of the costs of capital projects located in Atlantic City and will now be awarded at a minimum of $250,000 and a maximum of $2.5 million, with the EDA seeking to accept new requests on an ongoing basis.
Blatstein Details $50 Million Room and Common Space Renovation in Showboat
