The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has approved .7 million in upgrades to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall and convention center in newly approved projects in the resort.
The $3.7 million will go to improving the property’s HVAC systems, plumbing, painting, concrete and structural engineering services at the two properties. Both properties are operated by Spectra by Comcast Spectacor.
The improvements follow $2 million approved in February to upgrade four sets of out-of-service bathrooms at Boardwalk Hall.
“We are making an effort to bring Boardwalk Hall and the Convention Center up to date,” said Robert E. Mulcahy, chairman of the authority’s board of directors according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In another move, the resort’s city council approved a plan by the Tropicana casino to build a sky walk between its property and its newly acquired Chelsea Hotel. The casino has acquired the neighboring about 300-room, non-casino hotel and seeks to include it in its resort footprint.
“The bridge will provide convenience for our guests to easily access the south tower check-in and experience all of Tropicana’s amenities that are only just steps away,” said Tony Rodio, president and CEO of Tropicana Entertainment Inc.
The council approved air rights for the skywalk, which is still in the planning stages. Rodio said the casino hopes to begin construction by the end of the year.
Tropicana also announced it will close the popular Providence Nightclub in its entertainment/retail themed The Quarter.
Bob Pereira, founder of Metronome Hospitality Group, the operator of the club, confirmed to the Press of Atlantic City that the club will close after Labor Day weekend.
“Tropicana has some plans for the location,” Pereira told the paper, saying that the company is looking for another location in the city.
Tropicana did not say what specific plans it has for the space, but said it is hoping to open a new nightclub.
“We welcome guests to enjoy our 17 other nightlife venues and will look to open a new nightclub in that space in the near future,” Steve Callender, Tropicana Atlantic City general manager told the paper.
Finally, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority announced it will hold public hearings in September on future development of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, Marina District, Gardner’s Basin and other portions of the resort’s Tourism District.
The Press reports that the authority—which controls the city’s tourism district—is hoping to streamline its regulatory processes and cut red tape in attracting projects to the resort.
