(Trenton, N.J.) – Last month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority(NJEDA) Board approved a $4.2 million Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program award to support the expansion of the Showboat Family Entertainment Center. The Board also allocated nearly $4 million in supplement funding to support the reopening of the application window for the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program in the coming months. This will allow NJEDA to accept new applications and continue to support construction projects throughout Atlantic City.
“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has focused on investing in Atlantic City to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth that will have an impact for years to come,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With this award, Showboat can expand their family-friendly entertainment options and make significant upgrades to continue attracting residents and visitors. The NJEDA is excited to reopen applications for the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program so we can continue supporting major redevelopment projects, bolster small businesses, enhance downtown vitality, and create good-paying jobs to uplift families throughout the city.”
“The Showboat Family Entertainment Center has ushered in a new era for Atlantic City – one that offers attractions for families with children of all ages,” said Jacquelyn A. Suárez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees Atlantic City’s budget and finances. “We’re excited by the success of the family-friendly Showboat and are thrilled it is already expanding to include more attractions for kids and the young at heart. This venue demonstrates that creative projects can flourish in Atlantic City and that the Murphy Administration stands ready to support such projects that positively impact the community.”
The investment into Showboat will support the expansion of the Showboat Family Entertainment Center located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The project will include an 18,000 square foot expansion to the Lucky Snake Arcade and Raceway, as well as the purchase and installation of additional arcade games and attractions. The project will also include the construction of the open-air entryway along the Showboat’s boardwalk facade, additional food and beverage outlets, installation of a ten-lane bowling alley, and a kids play area with private party rooms.
Currently, Showboat is one of the few places in Atlantic City that offers year-round indoor family-friendly entertainment options. This expansion will allow for the Showboat to update and upgrade its current entertainment center, so that it may continue offering reasonably priced entertainment that is appropriate for families. With these enhancements, Showboat will now also look to offer additional educational and sporting activities for local schools and organizations to utilize this space throughout the year.
“Showboat is thrilled with the support of the State of New Jersey in furthering year-round family friendly entertainment in Atlantic City,” said Bart Blatstein, Owner of Showboat Properties, LLC. “Atlantic City has been in the past, and will be again, a world class destination.”
The NJEDA Board also approved the allocation of nearly $4 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support the reopening of the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program. Grant awards will continue to support up to 50 percent of costs of capital projects located within Atlantic City and will now be awarded at a minimum of $250,000 and a maximum of $2.5 million. New applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Approved in December 2023, the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program focuses on addressing the negative impacts of COVID-19 by supporting real estate development projects, including the rehabilitation of existing structure or new construction. By investing in communities by repurposing underutilized properties, this grant program promotes economic growth and community wealth building within Atlantic City.
About the NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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