CRDA unveils boardwalk plans

At a press conference today, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) unveiled details of its Boardwalk Facade Project. The objective of the $100 million project is to evoke a feeling of the Boardwalk during its widely acknowledged heyday of the early 20th century and to re-invigorate the role of the Boardwalk as a tourist attraction in Atlantic City.

The first phase of the project encompasses the 1500 block, from New York Ave. to Kentucky Ave.; the 1600 block, from Kentucky Ave. to Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.; the 2500 block, from Bellevue Ave. to Texas Ave.; the 3000 block from Morris Ave. to Chelsea Ave.; the bandstand at Kennedy Plaza; and the Fountain of Light at Brighton Park. The work began in September 2006 and will be substantially completed by April 2007.

"The Boardwalk is what sets Atlantic City apart from other destinations. It is Atlantic City's most important man-made feature, so it is central to our visitors' experiences and should live up to their expectations," said Tom Carver, CRDA's executive director. "With this project, we want to recapture the excitement and grandeur of the Boardwalk when it was an attraction unto itself."

To guide the Boardwalk's revitalization, Design Standards for the Atlantic City Boardwalk was created by Michael Calafati, AIA of Trenton-based Historic Building Architects, LLC. The standards are based on the architectural designs prevalent on the Boardwalk in the early 20th century. Calafati is also responsible for coordinating the execution of the Boardwalk Facade Project in conjunction with CRDA and for restoring the Fountain of Light.

"The vitality of the Boardwalk directly contributes to the vitality of Atlantic City, but the Boardwalk of today is disappointing," said Calafati. "Atlantic City has seen great improvements recently with the Borgata, The Walk, The Pier at Caesars and The Quarter at Tropicana. The resort is at a crossroads and the Boardwalk should have the lead role in the re-invigoration of the city."

The first three architects were chosen to implement the design standards such that each block is cohesive but consistent with the other blocks. Cristina Buendicho, AIA of CBArchitect designed the facade plans for the 1500 block and Kennedy Plaza's bandstand. Joe Matis, AIA of MPM Studio created the plan for the 1600 block. Craig Dothe, AIA of Craig Dothe Architect, LLC planned the facades for the 2500 and 3000 blocks.

Established in 1984 by the State of New Jersey, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority provides capital investment funds for economic development and community projects that respond to the changing economic and social needs of Atlantic City and the State of New Jersey. It encourages business development and permanent job creation, promotes opportunities for business expansion, and commits to facilitating a vibrant economic inve

2006-11-02