Atlantic City Seeks New Image: Las Vegas's

[Fabrizio]

Having expensive luxurious NYC-AC express trains funded by the casinos is a fine idea. Why not?

But keeping that historic line only for wealthy travelers is ridiculously short-sighted.

AC has general public train service from Philadelphia, it should have it from NYC also... and continue down to CapeMay.

[zipburn]

They already have train service through new jersey transit from ac to nyc like i said before. When you get to philly you just switch to the SEPTA train and then transfer in Trenton to the NE Corridor line to NYC. NJ Transit can not have a direct line to NYC because the line doesn't even get back to NJ until it crosses the river in Trenton. I see one advantage to having a stop in Newark. If people from the Atlantic City area want to fly out of Newark, or go to a Devils hockey game on the weekend this train would work out very nicely. Also the casinos are going to comp most of the patrons on this train, so they will be riding lux trains for free.

[66nexus]

Here is exactly what I worry about:

Poverty remains a consistent problem in Newark, despite its revitalization in recent years.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,913, and the median income for a family was $30,781. The per capita income (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_capita_income) for the city was $13,009. 28.4% of the population and 25.5% of families were below the poverty line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_line).

vs NYC:

Average weekly wage in Manhattan was $1,453 ($75,556 annually) the highest and fastest growing among the largest counties in the United States.

Demographics certainly vary by year, but there is no mistake about it that NYC consistently has far more attractive income demographics.

My understanding is that they are targeting a wealthy population with this train service. I have seen articles that predict fares of appx. $70 each way which is considerably more than $33 round trip on the bus (not including the rebate customers get from the casinos).

Now your point about Newark Station is well taken. Perhaps it will serve as an additional feeder market. But this train service needs to run as expediously as possible, or as another blogger suggested, it simply will not work. I don’t see people in the Newark region giving up their cars for a ride on this train. I see this proposed stop just a slow-down to NYC yuppies that want to get to AC as quick as possible! But then again, this is being paid for by the casinos and perhaps they see an opportunity that I do not.

I would understand your point more if Newark was much further away from NYC but, as others have stated, the Newark airport option is hard to ignore (why get off at EWR just to have to cab/train to NY Penn and then have to train it back?).

Let's be real here, the AC line stop in Newark ain't exactly for Newarkers...but we all know that Newark Penn is heavily used by commuters that don't live in Newark.

Newark's overall demographics (I hate to say) don't really apply to the downtown area, which is the most widely used section of Newark by non-Newarkers (office tower workers, PruCenter goers etc.)

[American Gaming Guru]

Agreed. Good Point.

[blackdragon905]

What do u guys think, are you for Pinnacle acquiring the land or not? I know it would help them build a better casino.

5:25 p.m. Update - ATLANTIC CITY — A group of store owners in and around the area targeted for redevelopment by Pinnacle Atlantic City stormed into City Hall on Thursday with petitions in hopes of halting talks of eminent domain. "You don't have to get rid of little businesses; we're what makes this city complete," said Audrey Anderson, owner of Ms. Audrey’s Human Connection, a tailoring and thrift store on Atlantic Avenue. "People that have that income and have a car say get rid of them, because they can drive to the mainland. But what about the people that like walking around their town and using the local businesses?"
The city’s Planning Board has been holding redevelopment hearings since December to determine whether the area around the old Sands Casino and Hotel site is a blighted area. The potential designation could open up targeted business owners to eminent domain and has faced strong opposition.
See Friday’s edition of The Press for complete coverage.

[zipburn]

Ms. Audreys Human connection store is located on the bayside of atlantic ave. I couldn't imagine them building that far inland, but either way her store frontage is what you could call an eyesore. While on atlantic ave., it looks like they are going ahead with building an office/retail complex next to the midtown thermal plant, this is near the walk and bus terminal. I haven't heard anything about this project from any news sources which is a first for something of this size. They previously planned a Sun National bank HQ for this site but that never panned out. Unless this is a plan from 5 years ago finally coming to life?

[blackdragon905]

the place is an eyesore and I think redevelopment would do it good, I can only imagine what Pinnacle is planning on building, how many acres are they looking to get on addition of their 18 already?

[acplayer]

I don't see how the city would use eminent domain to give more property to Pinnacle, a company that just announced they may pull the plug on their casino building plans because a lack of money. I think Pinnacle is just trying to amass a bigger parcel of land so that they can turn around and sell it for a big profit to another casino developer. Instead of eminent domain the city, CDRA and state should be offering incentives for the existing businesses and new businesses to develop along Pacific and Atlantic Avenues. The casinos get huge tax breaks/write offs for their self enclosed retail & restaurants, while the independent A.C. small businesses that voted for casinos, get nothing and have been forced out of business by the casinos. Level the playing field.

[giselehaslice]

Yesterday I drove by the Revel Site. There is HEAVY construction going on there right now. Approaching the site from the south, all you see is a gigantic pile of sand that they must have excavated from where the lower levels of the buildings are going. While driving north along the property line, you see huge concrete pillar-type things, and also alot of rebarb sticking out. Next to that is a huge hole (not sure what its for) encased in concrete. Next to that looks to be where a central core/elevator core is taking shape.

In my opinion, we might start seeing vertical construction by the end of summer.

[blackdragon905]

That's good news to hear Gisel. I was just there a few weeks ago and it was pretty calm, but it was a Sunday I guess too. Two questions: Are both towers being built together or no, and is there anyway u can take some pics of that area too, it would be greatly appreciated?

[blackdragon905]

Actually I just read in an online article about revel and CEO of Revel Kevin DeSanctis said they are looking to go vertical with steel this spring, which is also very good news.

[giselehaslice]

okay then, spring is even better.

Sorry, I didnt think I was going to be in AC when I was and didnt bring a camera. Next time I go I will try to remember my camera. It looked good though!

[blackdragon905]

Do u know if Revel is building both towers together or only one and then building the other one later?

[zipburn]

they are going to build both together...

[blackdragon905]

that also is good to know

[blackdragon905]

Anybody know where i can find the renderings for the new trump tower, i think i saw it once, but im not sure.

[66nexus]

Anybody know where i can find the renderings for the new trump tower, i think i saw it once, but im not sure.

Go to emporis.com and search 'Atlantic City'. They have a good rendering of the Trump II

[blackdragon905]

thanks 66.

[JCMAN320]

AC council to vote on smoking ban compromise

by the Associated Press
Tuesday March 25, 2008, 6:58 PM

Smoking would be banned on the floor of Atlantic City casinos, but permitted inside enclosed smoking lounges, under a compromise proposal to be introduced by the City Council Wednesday night.

Last week, several councilmen said they would try again to enact a total smoking ban inside Atlantic City's 11 casinos. The council backed off such a proposal last year in the face of vehement opposition from the gambling halls, and restricted smoking to no more than 25 percent of the casino floor.

In order for latest the measure to get enough votes to pass, a provision was added today to enable the casinos to set up enclosed smoking lounges where patrons would be able to smoke, although not gamble. No employees would be inside the lounges, Councilman Bruce Ward said.

Under a law that took effect April 15, 2007, the casinos had to set aside at least 75 percent of the casino floor as nonsmoking areas. The law called for them to build walled-off enclosures with separate ventilation systems, but set no deadline for the work to begin.

Unlike last year's law, the new proposal would ban gambling in the smoking lounges. That would fulfill the council's desire to have a totally smoke-free casino floor.

"It's time to move forward with this issue," Ward said. "The casinos have had an opportunity to build enclosures, but they don't want to do it."

The smoking ban would take effect 90 days after the law is passed and signed into law by the mayor.

Casinos have been reluctant to spend the millions of dollars that separate smoking sections for gamblers would cost, particularly since many believe a state or federal law ultimately will be passed requiring all casinos to be smoke-free.

They have been even less willing to spend the money in the midst of an economic slowdown that saw the Atlantic City casinos' revenue fall last year for the first time in the 30-year history of legalized gambling in the city.

[JCMAN320]

Atlantic City council pulls smoking ban proposal from agenda

by the Associated Press
Wednesday March 26, 2008, 6:44 PM

The Atlantic City council was poised to introduce an ordinance tonight that would ban smoking on the gambling floors of all 11 casinos, allowing gamblers to light up only in designated smoking lounges.

But the measure was removed from the agenda by Council President William "Speedy" Marsh, who was angered that last-minute changes to the plan were worked out by several councilmen without his involvement.

"Everyone knew but me, until I got a call from a reporter," Marsh said, as several in the audience of casino workers and anti-smoking campaigners groaned. "There was never discussion with me. I deserve that respect."

Marsh said the ordinance will be reconsidered in two weeks, despite entreaties from council members to proceed tonight.

"Somebody needs to take some action and do something to improve the conditions," said Mayor Scott Evans, who said he supports a total smoking ban but would consider other options. "We can't keep doing what we're doing. Secondhand smoke has been proven to be a danger to the employees and the visitors to the casinos."

A proposed total smoking ban last year crumbled under strong opposition from the casinos, which claimed the measure could cost them 20 percent of their revenue and spell the loss of up to 3,400 jobs.

A compromise law was enacted in April, restricting smoking to no more than 25 percent of the casino floor. The law required the casinos to build walled-off, ventilated smoking areas, but no deadline for the work was set. So far, none have been built.

[STT757]

The smoking situation for the most part is much improved now, people are following the rules and pretty much sticking to designated areas (there are a few who stray).

I say keep it the way it is, maybe tinker but it's certainly a huge improvement to past years when I would walk out of a casino smelling like an ashtray.

[acplayer]

Recent Revel Pics

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/revelfebruary2008.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/revel2february2008.jpg

[blackdragon905]

Great pics acplayer! Revel is certainly busy and the trump tower is really coming along too.

[American Gaming Guru]

acplayer, i too have pics. how do you load them?

[acplayer]

Hi AGG, to post a photo, first I save it on my computer, then I upload it to photobucket.com, then once uploaded I check the box for the uploaded photo I want to post, then highlight IMG code and copy it, then just paste it here. Let me know if you have any problems. It sounds like a pain in the a@# but once you do it a few times it's easy.

[JCMAN320]

Those 3 poor townhouses I think won't be standing much longer.

[acplayer]

If you look closely JCMan, you can actually see that two of them are being renovated.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/revel2.jpg

another revel construction shot

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/revel1.jpg

[blackdragon905]

love the revel shot acplayer!

[JCMAN320]

Ahh indeed acplayer, indeed. I would love for them to build something around it that fits in with them.

[giselehaslice]

Yep, revel is looking great. Cant wait for vertical construction, because that is when it gets really exciting.

[acplayer]

Here's a pretty cool aerial from the Taj Majal Tower Crane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voMBdT1hruU

[American Gaming Guru]

Thanks very much ACplayer. I have been investing a bit in AC myself recently and I have a whole bunch of pics that I think everyone will enjoy. There is much to be excited about. Please keep in mind that most of these are a few weeks old.

Here is a pic of the new boardwalk facades:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/NewBoardwalkFacades.jpg

The New AtlantiCare expansion:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/AtlantiCare.jpg

AC Gateway (Barr/Bashaw) Site:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACGatewaySitepic1.jpg

Revel 1 (north side of site) taken from The Bella:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/Revel2.jpg

Revel 2 (south side of site) taken from The Bella

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/Revel1.jpg

Trump Taj Mahal Expansion:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/TrumpTajNewTower1.jpg

The Water Club:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/TheWaterClubatBorgata.jpg

Harrah's Expansion:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/AnotherHarrahsConstructionPic.jpg

The Pool at Harrahs:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ThePoolatHarrahs.jpg

MGM Grand Site:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/MGMGrandSite.jpg

MGM Grand Arena Site:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/MGMGrandArenaSite.jpg

Pinnacle's Resort Site:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/PinnacleResortSite.jpg

Courtyard by Marriott Construction Photo:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/BrandNewCourtyardbyMarriottundercon.jpg

The Chelsea construction photo:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/TheChelseaunderconstruction.jpg

[JCMAN320]

I'm lovin' those pics. I really like the Harrahs Expansion looks great. I'll be hittin up AC ths summer so I can't wait. Keep movin' and shakin Atlantic City.

[giselehaslice]

Nice pics!

The Chelsea needs to pick up speed on their construction if they are going to open by Memorial Day, thats for sure!

Otherwise, things are looking really good!

[JCMAN320]

I was just watching NJN and they showed that the new Trump Tower on the Taj was topped off today, and in other Trump news:

Trump: Atlantic City casinos not for sale

by the Associated Press Monday March 31, 2008, 5:38 PM

Donald Trump, who engaged in talks with potential buyers on at least two occasions last year, said today his three gambling halls in Atlantic City are no longer for sale.

"We're not looking at that," he said. "We're doing very nicely."

Left unanswered was whether Trump had taken the casinos off the market, or whether a slowing economy and a credit crunch have cooled suitors' interest in them. A message left at his office afterward was not immediately returned.

His company, Trump Entertainment Resorts, operates three casinos in Atlantic City: Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and Trump Marina Hotel Casino.

According to year-end revenue figures released by the state Casino Control Commission, the Taj Mahal took in $508.5 million last year, good for fifth-best among the city's 11 casinos. But Trump Plaza ($280.3 million) and Trump Marina ($241.9 million) ranked last and next-to-last among the city's gambling halls.

Trump, who is chairman of the company but no longer exercises day-to-day control over its operations, spoke at a "topping-off" ceremony for the Taj Mahal's second hotel tower, in which the highest steel beam was hoisted into place atop the 467-foot building. It is due to open by Labor Day weekend, and eventually will have 782 rooms.

The hotel tower is the key to Trump's strategy to turn the company around and bring in higher rollers and cash-paying conventioneers. Part of what made the three casinos difficult to sell last year is the approximately $1.5 billion in debt that the company carries.

The second hotel tower will bring Trump's total to about 3,670 rooms -- around the same number as a new casino planned here by Revel Entertainment Group.

Gov. Jon Corzine praised the Taj expansion, and said he is confident that a planned multi-billion-dollar wave of expansions and new casinos will come to fruition as the economy improves.

Trump also reiterated his opposition to a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos. The city council is trying again to enact a ban at all 11 casinos, but would still permit non-gambling smoking lounges. Last year, the council enacted a compromise law limiting smoking to no more than 25 percent of a casino floor.

"It's having a negative impact in Atlantic City," Trump said. "When you have people who have smoked for 45 years and all of a sudden they're told they can't anymore, they go to another casino in another state."

[blackdragon905]

great pics, im loving all of them!!!

[blackdragon905]

Anybody know the name of the new trump tower? Also, has anyone heard any knew word on Pinnacle and if they are gonna do anything at all or is all a big bluff?

[acplayer]

Nice pics AGG. You mentioned you've been investing in A.C. recently. I've been looking at a couple of things in A.C. Are you talking about real estate?

[blackdragon905]

also, did anybody know what the new hilton tower and expansion would have looked like had it not been shelved?

[American Gaming Guru]

As far as I know, the new Trump tower has just been referred to as the Taj Mahal expansion or as in the article above as the "second tower". I have not heard any other name for it, but I am sure they will have one.

In regards to The Chelsea, yes, they still have a tremendous amount of work to do, but as far as I know, it appears that they are now shooting for an August 1st opening. That’s when the hotel began taking reservations for. Whether or not they have a "soft" opening is beyond me.

It appears that construction is taking longer than they had expected, but then again, they are investing BIG here and are doing a tremendous amount of work to transform these two down-and-out properties.

I have not heard anything on Pinnacle other than that they are still aggressively trying to purchase more real estate and are still designing their resort.

I have not seen any Hilton renderings. The inside word is that Colony Capital (Resorts International parent company) is not very much interested in re-investing and expanding their current properties. History tells us that they typically purchase distressed or under valued casino properties, turn them around and then sell them for a tidy profit. I think the Resorts International’s CEO Nick Ribis is bullish on AC and wants to build and expand, but the powers that be at Colony Capital are probably holding him back (all speculation of course).

Oh and yes, I have been investing in AC real estate. I always loved the game monopoly:rolleyes:

[blackdragon905]

thanks american gaming guru, your pics were great by the way, hopefully u can take and post more of them ;)

[zipburn]

just fyi, pinnacle is imploding the old sands parking garage tonight or early tommorow morning, just happened to see the no parking signs when i went to the post office

[acplayer]

What the Taj Mahal street looked like in the 1940s.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acareialhaddonhallstreet1940s.jpg

[American Gaming Guru]

Wow! AC used to really look grand. I of course will continue to take more pics and post them.

The Press has the Sands parking garage imploded at 7:00am this morning.

A video of the implosion can be seen here: http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=5130

[acplayer]

Yeah AGG, my Mom & Dad grew up in A.C. and said it was the greatest. You could take the trolley anywhere on the island, Atlantic Avenue was bustling with businesses, you had all the ethnic neighborhoods like the Italians, Jewish, etc.. and my Dad says he could walk anywhere in the city anytime of day or night and Never feel threatened. He saw Frank Sinatra on the Steel Pier for 25 cents. Truly a golden age. Also, AGG, what kind of real estate investing are you doing in A.C., residential, commercial, buy and hold vacant land speculation? I'm actually considering a building that I think has great potential as a small boutique hotel along the lines of The Chelsea but with about 50 rooms.

[blackdragon905]

This is from pinky's corner

Rumors abound that work had ceased on MGM Grand’s $4.5 billion entertainment complex the company intends to develop adjacent to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. This is untrue. If you were at last week’s Atlantic City Planning Board meeting, you would have heard MGM Grand’s representative request that the height limit for casino hotels be extended to over 800 feet. The board approved 815 ft. and then, at MGM’s request, moved it up to 850 ft. A Planning Board member asked why not assure that Atlantic City will have the tallest building in New Jersey and make it 1,000 feet? Not a bad idea.

[JCexpert558]

I could imagine a 1000 footer in Atlantic City, and also it would be really nice to see the building soaring in the air while being on the Atlantic City expressway.

[American Gaming Guru]

I would love a 1,000 footer too, but with the amount of land that MGM owns, I am speculating that they probably will not go that far. As towers go up, so do construction costs. It is very expensive to build high!

acplayer, check your private messages. I left you a note.

[blackdragon905]

In an article in the Press of Atlantic City, it mentions that Pinnacle has purchased the Miami Hotel on Kentucky Avenue. I did not know that they were interested in it. Does anybody have any information about it and where exactly it is located relative to the Sands sight, is it far or near?

[giselehaslice]

The Miami Hotel looks like it is right next door to the old sands garage, so it still looks like they are trying to assemble acreage.

In other News...

Atlantic City to consider casino zoning for nearly 100 acres next to Borgata

By MICHAEL CLARK Staff Writer, 609-272-7204
Published: Friday, April 04, 2008





8:30 p.m. Update -


ATLANTIC CITY - City officials shaping the resort's new master plan are considering a recommendation to designate a large section of land for casino development, potentially bolstering a Marina District already bulging with plans for more gaming activity.
The triangular tract lies between Huron Avenue, Brigantine Boulevard and the White Horse Pike and is adjacent to the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Nearly 100 acres of mostly undeveloped land and some wetlands, the section is mostly privately owned, although the city does own a small section. The resort's Planning Board began reviewing rezoning possibilities this week after it was suggested by Thomas Eddington, a planning director with Karrabashian/Eddington Planning Group, which worked with the city to draft the master plan."It makes sense to look at," Eddington said in a phone interview. "It would need significant analysis, but it might be a good opportunity for the future of the city."

The future already looks bright for the Marina District, considering MGM Grand's proposal to build the largest casino in town on a 72-acre site also next door to the Borgata. The development is to feature three hotel towers totaling 3,000 rooms and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012. MGM is a 50-50 owner of Borgata with Boyd Gaming Corp.
The recent rezoning recommendation is one of several being considered by planning officials amending new draft master plan and continues the city's search for buildable land for casino development as options decrease.
Last month, Penn National Gaming Inc. asked the Planning Board to include the rezoning of a former oil depot along Route 30 in the master plan with hopes of transforming the site into a gaming destination.
"There's so little land to work with," said Jacqueline Carole, head of the Planning Board. "Any new casino development that comes to Atlantic City I'm excited about."
Penn National, a casino and racetrack operator based in Pennsylvania, has been eager to establish itself in Atlantic City. It has already make an offer on the city's sprawling Bader Field property and is inquiring about property on The Boardwalk. The company has a deal in place with the owner of the land off Route 30 that relies on the rezoning of the tract.
Casino development across from the Borgata could also have a lasting effect on other Marina District casinos, either drawing more customers to the section of town and its surrounding casinos, or stealing revenue from the competition. Casino officials were reluctant to comment on either possibility.
Alyce Parker, spokeswoman for Harrah's Atlantic City, said she was unaware of the city's consideration and said she thought the land had already been zoned for casino development.
Although she didn't comment on the effect that potential development could have on Harrah's business, the casino seemed to discourage Penn's plans of developing along Route 30 last month, saying they should focus on areas already designated for casino development.
"We would be happy to offer comment once we learn more about the project that's being developed," Borgata spokeswoman Noel Stevenson said of the rezoning plan along Huron Avenue. "Without knowing the identity of the project or scope, it's difficult to comment how it would affect Borgata."
Officials with Trump Marina Hotel Casino also would not comment.
Potential opposition from nearby casinos is only one obstacle the rezoning would face.
City Planning Director William Crane said traffic and access-road issues could be a problem.
"I guess there would have to be some turn-around issues that would have to be addressed," Carole said, "but we've done all that before."
The tract also neighbors Back Maryland, a section of the city known for its frequent violence and drug activity, conditions that could keep tourists away.
The Planning Bboard is also reviewing whether it is legal to rezone city areas, section-by-section.
"Every area has challenges, but we've worked through them," Carole said. "I'm definitely not opposed to it." The Planning Board is tentatively scheduled to vote on the issue April 16.

( http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/186/story/124327.html )

[STT757]

Atlantic City, the next Big thing.

http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0812,atlantic-city-the-next-next-big-thing,381231,22.html

[zipburn]

For the next three days prospective buyers will be in town to tour the casino hotel. One can only hope that Colony Capital doesn't eventually become the owner. I believe the Dennis Gomes/Cordish partnership is the best option and they win without a doubt the valet parking lot which borders california ave on the otherside of the Ritz will be an expansion that is similiar in magnitude to the Quarter.

[blackdragon905]

been quiet for a long time...........

[MikeW]

Isn't it Colony who's selling, or am I confuzzed?

Edit: I am confuzzed. It's Columbia-Sussix that's selling. Sorry.

For the next three days prospective buyers will be in town to tour the casino hotel. One can only hope that Colony Capital doesn't eventually become the owner. I believe the Dennis Gomes/Cordish partnership is the best option and they win without a doubt the valet parking lot which borders california ave on the otherside of the Ritz will be an expansion that is similiar in magnitude to the Quarter.

[American Gaming Guru]

Well, technically it is the State of New Jersey that is selling! But the proceeds go to pay-down Columbia's debt. By NJ CCC laws they are not permitted to gain on the sale of the property.

Colony Capital has put in a bid for the property. While Colony is well capitalized, they rarely expand or heavily invest back into their properties. Their specialty is typically purchasing underappreciated assets and then turning them around for large profits. I would assume that if they won the bidding that they would roll the Trop into their Resorts International subsidiary.

Ultimately I think the Gomes/Cordish partnership would be the best to take over. Cordish is also well capitalized, has an excellent track record in real estate and casino investment and development and Dennis Gomes is one of the most well respected and innovative casino executives in the business.

[zipburn]

6:45 p.m. Update - Atlantic City has won a stunning upset over longtime rival Las Vegas in a competition crucial to each.

Under the headline "Atlantic City trumps Las Vegas for customer satisfaction and value," Market Metrix last week announced the results of its latest Hospitality Index survey.
In every category - from value for price to sophistication and pampering - New Jersey's nearly 30-year-old gaming market outperformed its 77-year-old rival in Nevada.
"Compared to the Las Vegas Strip, Atlantic City guests are more satisfied with their hotel and casino experience," said the survey, published in Hotel & Motel Management magazine.
A convincing 78 percent of Atlantic City visitors were "very likely to recommend" the resort to others, compared to just 59 percent of Las Vegas visitors, according to San Rafael, Calif.-
based Market Metrix.
Jonathan Barsky, CEO of Market Metrix, had one word to describe that difference: "Wow."

"It was really surprising to us to see the performance ... to see Las Vegas, the king of gambling and entertainment, get beaten by Atlantic City," he said.
Market Metrix surveys 35,000 travelers per quarter, and about 10,000 of those were in the two gaming markets, Barsky said, a huge sample size.
This was the first time the company pulled out figures for a separate Casino Index of customer satisfaction, he said. "Going forward, we're developing a much more detailed and more frequent index for casinos, so we'll be able to monitor these scores over time."
Reaction to the survey depended on location.
"It's a coup for Atlantic City," said Larry Mullin, president of the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa. "The town should be proud."
"This is great news," said Robert McDevitt, president of Local 54 of UNITE-HERE, the largest casino union.
"It's gratifying to be recognized for providing a quality customer experience," Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, said in a statement.
Erika Pope, senior manager with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said its researchers weren't familiar enough with Market Metrix and its survey methods to comment on the results.
"We produce our own annual visitor profile study, and in two decades, our results, such as they are, continue to indicate year after year that our visitors are overwhelmingly happy with their experience here and would, if asked, recommend Las Vegas to friends, neighbors, relatives and such," Pope said.
Mullin - whose company, Boyd Gaming, operates in both markets and uses Market Metrix research to optimize its operations - said the relative ease of traveling to Atlantic City is an advantage that might be showing up in the survey.
More importantly, he said, new development is transforming the city and the experience for visitors.
"It's part of a story that will get much clearer as we develop our second hotel, the Water Club, and as MGM Mirage and others come into this market," Mullin said. "As the town matures, I think the future looks bright."
McDevitt, who started out as a casino waiter and bartender, said he has always been resentful of people saying, "It's so much better somewhere else."
The survey made him "really happy."
Barsky said the independent survey is the largest of its kind "as far as we know."
To e-mail Kevin Post at The Press: KPost@pressofac.com (KPost@pressofac.com)

__________________________________________________


Good News keeps popping up concering AC trumping Vegas, I felt for a year or so now that Vegas had peaked in terms of its popularity, the vegas show on nbc just got canceled, a report out of the Las Vegas Sun reports that casino companies see AC as the better long term investment, a new series on HBO about Atlantic City will be on the air... i feel the good vibes

[zipburn]

4:45 p.m. Update - ATLANTIC CITY — Private owners of land along Rt. 40 proposed rezoning their land for casino development Wednesday, which, if approved with a recent, similar recommendation, would place a casino at the gateway of two of city’s three main entrances.

Owners of a 20-acre tract currently occupied by Hansen’s Bus World asked the city’s Planning Board Wednesday to consider incorporating the site as a casino zone in the new master plan, currently being fleshed out by officials.
“Only in Atlantic City would you have a waterfront property occupied by a bus station,” said John Donnelly, a local attorney representing the land’s owners, Ole Hansen & Sons Inc. The Planning Board is already considering the incorporation of two city sections to be rezoned as casino development areas, including one at the resort’s Rt. 30 entrance. Penn National Gaming has proposed the rezoning of a 23-acre tract along Rt. 30, a former oil depot and currently the site of Clayton Self Storage.

_________________________________________________

this site is on the other side of the street from the atlantic city high school, now that is a good location much better than the route 30 site, the location could set up for an easy off ramp from the ac expressway

[JCexpert558]

Looks like Atlantic City will be the New Las Vegas after a while:D

[JCMAN320]

HaHa This is awesome, good for you Atlantic City. I love it! I plan to go to AC this summer for a very late 21st/22nd birthday jam. Finally Atlantic City overtakes Vegas in something.

[giselehaslice]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/186/story/137011.html

Looks like the land south of Hilton is in for a BIG facelift, and home to Atlantic City's new proposed tallest building.

[blackdragon905]

Sweet, i dunno if it will pass though but if it does all power to Bashaw. Hopefully, this project does not go dormant. In other news, the new trump tower will be called the Chairman Tower, named after of course, the chairman Donald himself.

[American Gaming Guru]

I too hope this Atlantic Beach Resort and Casino gets built. The team is great, a well proven developer and a highly respected casino executive. AC needs all the critical mass it can get at this point. I can’t wait to see if they release a design.

Thanks for the news on the Taj Tower name. Very fitting!

[American Gaming Guru]

The Water Club, A Signature Hotel By Borgata, Now Accepting Reservations
Monday April 21, 2:36 pm ET Atlantic City's first non-gaming hotel readies to open
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Water Club, A Signature Hotel By Borgata, a joint venture between Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=byd&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=byd)) and MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=mgm&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=mgm)), began accepting hotel reservations today. The $400 million boutique-lifestyle hotel, which will open this June, will feature 800 guestrooms and suites. Guests can reserve a variety of rooms or packages at The Water Club by calling (800) 800.8817, or visiting www.thewaterclubatborgata.com (http://www.thewaterclubatborgata.com/) for stays, starting July 1st.
"We're excited to announce this key milestone for The Water Club, bringing this unique hotel experience one step closer for guests," says Larry Mullin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. "The debut of The Water Club will allow more guests than ever before to experience Borgata through a distinctly cosmopolitan hotel experience."
The debut of The Water Club will complete Borgata's $600 million master plan development and bring the total investment into the resort destination to $1.7 billion.
About The Water Club
On schedule for a June 2008 opening, The Water Club, a Signature Hotel by Borgata, will introduce a unique brand of hospitality to Atlantic City, combining elements of Borgata, while delivering a personality of its own. The $400 million hotel will feature 800 guestrooms and suites; Immersion, a two-story spa located on the 32nd Floor; 18,000 square feet of meeting space; three Residences modeled after chic, urban lofts; five heated indoor and outdoor pools; and six retail shops. Located adjacent to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, The Water Club will be just steps away from Borgata's world-class entertainment, shopping, dining, nightlife, and gaming options.
About Borgata Borgata is a joint venture of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=byd&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=byd)) and MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=mgm&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=mgm)). Located at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, it features 2,000 guest rooms and suites, 161,000 square feet of gaming, 200 gaming tables, 4,100 slot machines, 10 destination restaurants, 12 retail boutiques, a 54,000 square foot spa, 70,000 square feet of event space, and parking for 7,100 cars. For more information on Borgata or to obtain a copy of this press release, please visit www.theborgata.com (http://www.theborgata.com/) or use AOL keyword: borgata. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com (http://www.boydgaming.com/); additional information on MGM MIRAGE can be found at www.mgmmirage.com (http://www.mgmmirage.com/).

[American Gaming Guru]

Newsday.com

Meet Atlantic City's next big player

By WAYNE PARRY
Associated Press Writer
April 20, 2008
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.

He once oversaw New Jersey's efforts to invest money from casinos into statewide development projects, and restored magnificent Victorian structures in Cape May into tourist icons while preserving their historic integrity.

Now Curtis Bashaw is on the verge of becoming a major player in Atlantic City.

He and a former casino executive are planning a new mega-casino at the south end of the Boardwalk at a cost of $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

But first, Bashaw is gutting two old Boardwalk motels and rebuilding them as an ultra-luxury hotel called the Chelsea. He hopes the project will help power a wave of high-quality, non-gambling hotels in Atlantic City.

Bashaw is making a declaration of faith in the city's future at a time when gambling revenues are down, and credit is practically nonexistent, making the big plans of several casino developers look iffy.

"Atlantic City is going back to its roots as a resort," Bashaw said. "It was a resort town 100 years before it was a gambling destination. I think the next wave is here, and we're excited to be a part of it."

His plans for the Chelsea bucking trends that have prevailed for three decades in Atlantic City, where huge casinos feasted on the quarters fed to their slot machines by flocks of bus-riding senior citizens who returned home after a few hours' diversion.

Now, the emphasis is on non-gambling attractions including restaurants featuring celebrity chefs, spas and top-ticket entertainment. The idea is to draw people to the casinos who have no interest in gambling.

Bashaw and business partner Craig Wood are taking the concept a step further with the Chelsea, the first non-gambling boutique hotel to open on the Boardwalk since the early 1960s.

While it won't be Atlantic City's only non-gambling hotel, it will be one of the ritziest and most expensive. The 330-room, $105 million project involves gutting two old motels, the Howard Johnson's and the Holiday Inn, and melding them into one hotel with a '50s and '60s retro theme. Rooms will run from $275 a night to $1,500 for what Bashaw terms "the rock star suite."

In June, the Water Club, a $400 million, 800-room non-gambling hotel is due to open next to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Bashaw and Borgata management are talking about ways to explore "synergies" between the two properties and the similar clientele they are likely to attract, Bashaw said.

And a similar project called "Prasada" is planned on the Boardwalk at Kentucky Avenue. Developer Christopher DiGeorge wants to open a 200-room non-gambling hotel by 2010 or 2011.

Bashaw's 20-story Chelsea will have two pools (one of them saltwater) and a spa, and two eateries managed by noted restaurateur Stephen Starr. A grand opening ceremony is planned for July 18.

Bashaw, 47, was executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority from 2003 to 2005, and has been redeveloping properties in Cape May and New York for years. His best-known restorations include Congress Hall and the Virginia Hotel in Cape May.

"I grew up in south Jersey and I spent every summer of my life at the Jersey shore," he said. "We settled in Cape May, and my career started there with renovating some of the old buildings where I worked as a kid. So there's a real sand-in-the-shoes attachment to the Jersey shore that has definitely stayed with me.

"Coming up from Cape May in the summer and listening to my grandmother decry the decline of Atlantic City, it's fun to be part of the rebirth of the town," he added.

While his hotel plan eschews gambling, Bashaw and Wallace Barr, the former Caesars CEO and gambling industry titan, plan to build a casino at the southern end of the Boardwalk at the foot of Route 40.

They've been buying land for the past several years, and now have a 14-acre site big enough for a 1,500 to 2,000-room hotel-casino, with the ability to add 800 more rooms in a second phase. The price is expected to be what other mega-casinos are going for right now in Atlantic City: between $1.5 billion to $2 billion, Bashaw said.

He's not worried about competition from the likes of Pinnacle Entertainment and Revel Entertainment, both of which are planning similar casino-hotel projects on the Boardwalk, and MGM Grand, which plans a mammoth development in the marina district.

"The critical mass of Pinnacle and Revel and MGM and our project coming into play is the rising tide lifts all boats theory," Bashaw said. "We're not fighting against them; there's plenty of room for all of us here."

There's no name or theme yet for the development, which is still a few years away. But Bashaw has lined up the real estate and applied for key state and local permits.

An avid reader and world traveler, Bashaw recently bought 60 acres of farmland in West Cape May, where he's literally putting down new roots.

"I just got a new Holland tractor and I'm a weekend warrior out there," he said. "I like gardening a lot. There's something very tactile about getting your hands in the soil and planning how the garden is going to be and watching it grow and materialize. Not that it's totally comparable to real estate development, but it's nice to see tangible fruits of your labor."

___

On the Net:

Bashaw site: http://www.CapeAdvisors.com

Chelsea site: http://www.theChelsea-AC.com

[blackdragon905]

Thanks for all the information American Gaming Guru. I take it the main hotel tower will be pretty skinny since its going to be so tall with only 2000 rooms, but still quite impressive and obviously the chance to add more rooms later on. I don't think it will be the tallest building in AC though, b/c i posted a comment earlier about MGM wanting to build the main tower above 800 ft to at least 850 ft and quite possibly beyond that. American, what are your thoughts on the whole Bashaw project and how the hotel and its centerpiece hotel tower will look, is there a trend in hotel styles that Bashaw likes to do, maybe like very lavish and luxurious with a lot of various non gaming amenities like the Chelsea is intended to be or maybe different that that?

[JCexpert558]

Just some new info on Pinnacle

http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=5328

[American Gaming Guru]

blackdragon905, of what I have seen, Bashaw seems to enjoy both ends of the building spectrum. He has been enormously successful in both historical revitalization and ultra modern projects. I would bet that the Atlantic Beach Resort & Casino (or what ever they eventually call it) will be more of a cutting-edge looking resort rather than a throw-back look. I think that because of the footprint that they are working with that they will be forced to build sleek and tall. It could be really iconic which appears to be his goal.

There is no doubt it will be very lavish and well promoted. Bashaw’s business has a good presence in NYC of which I hear he successfully attracts the big spenders from!

[zipburn]

how do you guys feel about this? I personally am a non-smoker and and can't wait, well i do smoke cigars but not inside. I think this happened at a good time, Atlantic City was down but I've noticed the crowds are starting to come back to the old days before PA gaming opened. They can argue all they want that now they(the smokers) won't go to AC now, but realisticaly most of the 25% designated was for the tables plus PA and NY only offer slots. The table game players will still come because they have no choice. The fact still remains that the next new casino(revel) that is going to be the first to open is going to be smoke free anyway. This should also help too alleviate some construction costs with regards to the smoke filtration systems which can be rather costly.

Some little tidbits: I don't know how many of you live around here but Revel has 5 Tower cranes up as of right now, vertical development is here. As I said earlier Tropicana had buyers in town, well based on offers they cut the list down to the top 4, but Pinky on his radio show today indicated 3, this list doesn't include who I would have liked to attain ownership but does include who I wouldn't. The office complex I mentioned earlier on atlantic ave. they are setting the foundations on it and it looks from the signage they have posted that it will be four storys. This will be a great addition to atlantic ave. and will further help atlantic ave. to up its image.

[JCMAN320]

Atlantic City bans smoking on casino floors

by The Associated Press Wednesday April 23, 2008, 10:00 PM

Capping a battle that lasted more than a year, the Atlantic City Council voted 9-0 today to end the last major loophole to a tough statewide ban on smoking in public buildings that had conspicuously exempted gambling halls.

As a result, smoking will be prohibited on the gambling floor at all 11 Atlantic City casinos as of Oct. 15.

But patrons will still be able to light up in unstaffed smoking lounges away from the table games and slot machines, if the individual casinos choose to build them.

Casino workers -- many wearing T-shirts with the slogan "Nobody deserves to work in an ashtray" -- burst into sustained applause when the votes were counted and chanted "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"The employees of Atlantic City's casinos have hit a jackpot of their own tonight," said Dr. Arnold M. Baskies, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society in New Jersey and New York. "Hardworking casino employees have been keeping Atlantic City's multibillion dollar casino industry on a roll, but have been gambling with their lives for far too long."

Mayor Scott Evans said he would sign the ordinance within 10 days.

"We're going to save lives with this," he said. "People are going to be able to come here and enjoy a nice, smoke-free environment."

More than two dozen states nationwide regulate smoking inside casinos, eight ban smoking altogether inside the gambling halls, and two others will impose a total ban starting in 2009, according to Karen Blumenfeld, policy director of the New Jersey Group Against Smoking Pollution.

In January 2007, Atlantic City tried to pass its own law banning smoking in the casinos, but backed down under withering pressure from the casino industry, which claimed the measure could cost them 20 percent of their revenue and mean the loss of as many as 3,400 jobs. The City Council then enacted a compromise law restricting smoking to no more than 25 percent of the casino floor.

But that hasn't worked. The smoking areas are still not walled-off and separated from nonsmoking areas, as last year's law had called for, and smoke still wafts throughout the casino floor. Smokers still feel persecuted, and casinos still fret about losing business in an already bad economic climate, which is being worsened by the growing success of slots parlors in nearby Pennsylvania and New York.

Joe Corbo, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, declined comment on the vote.

Kim Hoverman of Stone Creek in Cumberland County is a smoker who plans to take her business elsewhere.

"I don't think there should be separate areas," she said as she played a slot machine and puffed on a cigarette at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. "I won't come here at all; I live closer to Philadelphia anyway. And I hate smoking outside."

But Kim Hesse, a Caesars dealer and smoking opponent, predicts people like McGuigan will be the minority.

"There are lots more nonsmokers than smokers," she said. "I see it every day at my table; I'd say it's about 80-20 in favor of non-smokers."

[American Gaming Guru]

Thanks for the update zipburn. I was in AC briefly yesterday and took a few pics:

I thought everyone might enjoy these: The Dennis is back!

Then:

http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/nj/atlantic/postcards/dennis.jpg

The interim:

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2004/10/313637.jpg


and Now:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/TheDennis.jpg?t=1209044818

Additionally, here are some Revel updates as described by zipburn. It looks like they are progressing nicely:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/Revel14-23-08.jpg?t=1209044931

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/Revel24-23-081.jpg?t=1209044953

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/Revel34-23-082.jpg?t=1209044969

BTW, did Pinky mention who the remaining potential suitors for the Trop are?

[zipburn]

No, I think there are confidentiality agreements against releasing the names of the suitors, if i had to guess pinky either signed one or knows someone who did. They are currently renovating or are done all the floors of the dennis tower also. I must say it looks pretty inside. It is nice to see the Dennis courtyard opening up again that schiff complex was an eyesore! Thanks for the pics

[blackdragon905]

Great pics American Gaming Guru, Revel looks like it doing very nicely so far!

[American Gaming Guru]

I really hope that Harrah's (To be re-named Caesars Entertainment) restores the exterior of the Denis and that marvelous lawn and fountains. It would really be an Icon for the boardwalk.

The Schiff property was such trash. Once the barriers come down, this is going to be very striking.

[giselehaslice]

Nice to see that the nasty (actually, farrrr worse than nasty) garden buffet building is gone. Now the Dennis will be definatley be an icon.

Revel Looks good! I definately think its moving at a pretty fast rate. Hopefully vertical construction will come soon!

[zipburn]

for what its worth, once the harrah's corp gets ahold of a property they renovate from the inside out..i have heard of plans to bring the dennis back to its glory days, they are proposing shops/bistros on the boardwalk level.....

[blackdragon905]

I'm sorry, I'm not exactly following the Dennis situation. I don't really know anything about it, can someone explain to me what's going on?

[zipburn]

That picture that AGG took was from the boardwalk, where for the longest time was a two story building with junk shops, and 4.99 buffet, which was trash. Bally's was able to purchase it from the Schiff's and demolish it. So now the courtyard will be open to boardwalk like it was once was.

[blackdragon905]

oh ok thanks!

[acplayer]

Nice update on A.C. developments. It looks like MGM will be in the ground as soon as this fall.

PINKY'S CORNER



MGM Grand Update http://www.acweekly.com/images/shim.gif by Pinky Kravitz (pinky@acweekly.com)


Two weeks ago, you were informed that rumors saying MGM Grand’s $4.5 billion Atlantic City project would not be built were not true. The reality is that, at the present time, MGM has its project manager and his team working diligently to be able to break ground in September or October of this year. To prove the point that MGM is serious about this project, the company is working with architects to expand the present office facility, on Delilah Road, to accommodate the additional staff necessary to develop its 75-acre site, adjacent to the Borgata. At the present time, MGM Grand’s CAFRA permits are being studied and it is anticipated they will receive approval in the not too distant future.
I had the privilege of viewing the model of the Atlantic City MGM Grand Casino entertainment complex. The three towers will be of varying heights. The smallest tower will rise 600 feet and will have 1,200 keys for the rooms that will be over 400 square feet. The middle-sized tower will be 700-feet high and will also have 1,200 keys for rooms and suites. The largest tower will be 800-feet tall and will have only 500 keys. This will be an all-suite tower with magnificent penthouse suites on the upper levels. There will be two connectors for the three towers. The upper one will house a spa. The podium for the three towers will be two stories high and contain 200,000 square feet of casino space. A large area has been set for retail, restaurant and entertainment venues.
The project will include a 9,000-car garage with the latest technology to assist guests parking their cars. There will be digital signs informing drivers how many spaces there are open on each floor as they drive into the garage.
An item appeared in this column recently about a 12,000-seat arena for the Atlantic City MGM Grand project that was to be located on the 15-acre site it owns adjacent to the Trump Marina. That idea has been dropped. Instead, plans are to have a 7,500-seat arena built adjacent to the complex. It is my assumption that the change was made because a smaller arena would get more use than a larger one. It is also better to have those attending an event in the arena walk directly into the casino, retail units, restaurants and entertainment venues. Further information about this project will follow as it develops.



Bashaw and Barr’s Casino Plans Unveiled An application to CAFRA resulted in the unveiling of plans to build a $1.5 to $2 billion Atlantic Beach Resort and Casino. The site for this complex has been written about in this column on several occasions. It encompasses the area from Hartford Avenue to Lincoln Place, the Boardwalk to Ventnor Avenue, Pacific and Atlantic avenues. There will also be a piece of the Veteran’s Park and the monument at Albany and Ventnor avenues involved in this project. Curtis Bashaw, the developer of the Chelsea Hotel, which will open in August, and Wally Barr, former president of Bally’s and Caesars, are the principals in this development. Originally Bashaw said they would build a boutique casino, however, this project is too big to qualify as a boutique facility. The plan is to have an 852-foot high, 2,000-room hotel tower, which would make it the tallest tower in Atlantic City and the state. There will be 210,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment attractions and 210,000 squre feet of gaming space. The former Atlantic City High School site will become a 4,200-car parking garage. Long-range plans would see a 500-room hotel built on top of the garage. If the financial markets straighten out, Bashaw and Barr would like to break ground in 2009. The site, at the end of Route 40, is one of the most attractive sites in the city, offering a wide beach and an expanded boardwalk.



Good Times Lurk Ahead Let’s take a look at the projects that are under construction and those that are planned. Revel Entertainment’s $2 billion casino entertainment complex is to be completed in 2010. There are those who have raised concerns about Revel being able to get second-phase financing. Those involved say Revel will be able to get the necessary financing to complete the project on time.
Going down the island, we have Pinnacle Entertainment’s $1.5 to $2 billion complex; the company will wait until the financial markets are right before beginning the project. In the meantime, Pinnacle continues to seek out other properties to add to its present site.
It is anticipated that whomever buys the Tropicana will spend at least a few hundred million dollars to update the complex.
Above you have read about the Atlantic Beach Resort and Casino, the Pinnacle and MGM Grand projects. Put those project sums with the new $350 million tower at Harrah’s, Borgata’s $400 million Water Club and the new $250 million Taj Mahal tower and this comes to a total of more than $10 billion dollars. More than $1 billion of that amount will be added to the Atlantic City tax roll this year. Note that this does not include the sale of Bader Field, which will take place this year.
There can be no consideration of the development costs for Bader Field until we know the number and size of those projects, but it could double those listed above. Yes, good times do lurk ahead.

[JCMAN320]

Casinos choose smoking lounges over complete ban

by The Associated Press Tuesday April 29, 2008, 4:28 PM

No Atlantic City casino will go totally smoke-free this fall in order to comply with a tough new smoking law, the casinos said today.

Ten casinos said they are planning to build the enclosed, non-gambling smoking lounges permitted under the law, and the eleventh said it is leaning that way.

The only casino that has not explicitly said it will build smoking lounges is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. But the president of one of the two companies that jointly own it said the casino will not go totally smoke-free.

"We're working on plans to accommodate our guests' smoking," Boyd Gaming president Keith Smith said on a conference call to discuss earnings. "We think there will be some impact. I don't think it will be a significant change to what you see today."

A law passed by the City Council last week prohibits smoking on the casino floor as of Oct. 15 and gives casinos the option to build enclosed, ventilated smoking lounges away from table games and slot machines.

Mayor Scott Evans plans to sign it on Wednesday.

"People's health should not be made subservient to financial considerations," he said.

Despite calls from company chairman Donald Trump for all 11 casinos to jointly sue to block the smoking ban, Trump Entertainment Resorts will open smoking lounges at all three of its casinos, CEO Mark Juliano said.

[AC11]

From the AC press: "Rumors have swirled in recent months that the Claridge might not survive an extensive redevelopment plan that Harrah's has been discussing for Bally's. Linda M. Kassekert, chair of the Casino Control Commission, said she hopes Claridge is saved.
"It's a beautiful building," Kassekert said."

This would be absolutely terrible if the Claridge is brought down by Harrahs.

http://z.about.com/d/honeymoons/1/0/Z/V/AC7-claridge_sands.jpg

[blackdragon905]

what exactly is harrah's planning on doing with their redevelopment plans?

[AC11]

There has not been anything made public, just know that with the completion of the Harrah's tower and pool, they are going to be looking at center boardwalk for their next upgrades. That includes Caesars and Ballys. The real assets that Bally's has for it is the old Dennis hotel and the Claridge. Bally's itself is really pretty crappy. It would be terrible to lose one or both of those buildings.

[zipburn]

Dennis just got a complete upgrade to its rooms and interior, Claridge on the other hand is not so nice on the inside, its basically a waste of space for bally's unless they fix that paint problem on the pacific ave side I wouldn't really care if it went...

[American Gaming Guru]

While both the Dennis and Clairdge can be considered wastes of space, they are beautiful buildings that, in my opinion, should be preserved. Someone suggested on another web site that Harrah’s (so to be re-named Caesars Entertainment) should operate both as boutique hotel experiences as a part of the larger Ballys complex to which I completely agree. I was in the Clairdge last week and could not help but think that if they did a full restoration of the building that it could be a tremendous asset to the Ballys complex.

[acplayer]

Bally's are fools if they demolish the Claridge like they did the Marlborough Blenheim. I'm going to post some before and after pictures soon. They should turn the historic landmark Claridge into a super classy, upscale hotel like the Borgota's new hotel.


Check out this hot video created by Arquitectonica for Revel. This is going to be awesome when completed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vBPAI-cr08&feature=related

[Fabrizio]

Revel:

Beyond dreadful.

The Boardwalk side is mostly blank wall. We even get a roadwayway along the ocean front. That's a first for AC.

In fact it's all about cars. Nothing in the rendering deals with the interaction between this place and the city. It completely turns it's back on the town.

The interiors mostly look like a swanky airport. Although the taste level of everything is infinitely higher than the casinos that have come before, the formula is the same: and it has ruined Atlantic City.

[blackdragon905]

I actually agree with acplayer, I like it. It does have an airport feeling to it, but nontheless, very impressive. I don't like the wall next to the boardwalk either, but everything else I really enjoy.

[Fabrizio]

3 sides of it are like the Great Wall Of China. What's to enjoy? Unless you are staying there of course.

And: Gas prices are skyrocketing yet the rendering here features roadways (6 lanes at one point!) more than pedestrians. It is not forward thinking. It is not modern.

Anywhere else in the world a mega project in the works like this, would feature a light rail link to the train station and airport... and it would be a major feature of the complex.

--

[giselehaslice]

For some reason the video is'nt working..

[blackdragon905]

ya that just happened to me too as I was trying to look at it again, it says its like private or something?

[giselehaslice]

Darn It, I really wanted to see that! :confused:

[acplayer]

Although I like Revel's super modern and sleek design I was also going to make the same comment about the lack of any apparent boardwalk level pedestrian friendly stores or attractions. Why don't the casino's seem to get it? Why doesn't the government mandate this? Otherwise you just have casino fortresses surrounded by dead streets. To prove this point here's a before and after shot of the Bally's location. I think what Bally's and the government did by destroying the Marborough Blenheim was down right criminal.

Marlboro Blenheim (before bally's)
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acMarlboroughBlenheim1950s.jpg

Bally's 1981 (after bally's)
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acballys1981.jpg

[Fabrizio]

And just think, that photo above is only a small part of an incredible grouping of buildings that also included the Shelburne, the Dennis and the Traymore. The finest European resorts had nothing over the beauty of this area of the boardwalk. The entire are should have been designated a national landmark and put on the register of historic places.

Not only did Bally crap things up with their hideous buildings, but so did the city with it's "improvements" to Brighton park. Take a look at the God awful Korean war monument plopped down in front.

Certainly AC needed new buildings built for gaming needs, but these exquisite hotels should not have been torn down to achieve that.

I have little faith in Bally... here we are in 2008 and they STILL think the public is interested in corny stuff like their "Wild West" theme. Oh God help us.

Fortunately the Revel rendering shows tasteful modern style, but it amazes me that the structure continues the same urban design mistakes that AC has been making for the past 30 years. 3 1/2 of it's 4 sides are blank walls.

I can understand the Borgata etc. out at the marina being fortress hotels, but this is the boardwalk and we are in town.


---

[MidtownGuy]

Man, I just can't believe they did that.:eek: The first picture looks like a fairytale, it's so beautiful.

[Fabrizio]

What was especially amazing was that, from the Traymore to the Shelbourne, it was an uninterrupted line-up of 7 ornate, luxurious hotels... one right after another, with no filler in-between.

Only New York's Grand Army Plaza in NYC with the Plaza, Sherry-Netherland, Pierre and Savoy could compare for elegance.

---

[acplayer]

Before and after of Sands casino site where the Brighton Hotel stood.

Brighton Hotel
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acbrightonhotel.jpg
Brighton Pool
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acbrightonpoolpc.jpg

Sands Casino (after)
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acsandspc1980s.jpg

[Fabrizio]

The Brighton burned down in the late 50's. It was all wood. A number of all wood hotels existed in AC. Although it looks rather middle-class here, it was one of the better hotels in AC.

It had it's own cocktail... once very famous but now long forgotten, called the Brighton Punch:

http://gindrinkrecipes.com/drink-information/Brighton-Punch.asp

[giselehaslice]

IS there any way to get the Revel Video to work?

[American Gaming Guru]

Wow are those hotels amazing! Just plain sinful what happened to them.

[blackdragon905]

Tropicana Entertainment to file for Chapter 11 protection


http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jCaSMpwrAzEulgNBAe6Lj0iiHrfQD90FOA480

[JCMAN320]

You beat me to it Black lol.

[blackdragon905]

lol i saw it as i reading a las vegas thread

[JCexpert558]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/185/story/150869.html Just some New stuff on tropicana.:)

[brianac]

What was especially amazing was that, from the Traymore to the Shelbourne, it was an uninterrupted line-up of 7 ornate, luxurious hotels... one right after another, with no filler in-between.

Only New York's Grand Army Plaza in NYC with the Plaza, Sherry-Netherland, Pierre and Savoy could compare for elegance.

---

Fabrizio, Thanks for putting some "heart" and nostalgia into this thread.

Your knowledge and memory of all things New York (and New Jersey) never ceases to amaze me.

[American Gaming Guru]

I am on the PNK earnings call right now. Dan Lee just gave an update on their project. He said that they will probably file for CAFRA permits in June or July and expects appx. 1.5-2 years to gain all the approvals necessary to build the resort.

Conceptual designs are just about finished with appx. 3,000 rooms, but essentially will not go to final plans (aka spend appx. $100,000,000) until they receive all the permits necessary.

So this one still seems quite a while away, but never the less still on-track. The slow one that is.........

[blackdragon905]

thanks AGG! I first heard that they were planning on having 2000 rooms, 3000 is a big big difference. That would have to lean more towards the 2 billion dollar range, any idea on when renderings will be revealed?

[American Gaming Guru]

Not sure, but something is bound to leak out when they go for their CAFRA right? I am not really sure about the process.

[JCexpert558]

Im thinking this buildings height will be in the 1000s range or at least 900-800 because almost all of pinnacle recent projects have been near that height

[blackdragon905]

that is an interesting idea because that might explain why pinnacle is so tight-lipped about the project because they wanted to wait until the very last minute before revealing the height to make sure it would be the tallest and that no other builder like bashaw or mgm would go higher than theirs? food for thought i guess.

[American Gaming Guru]

Pinnacle's casino project looks dicey

By DONALD WITTKOWSKI Staff Writer, 609-272-7258
Published: Thursday, May 08, 2008
http://media.pressofatlanticcity.com/smedia/2008/05/08/06/960-pin.standalone.prod_affiliate.101.jpg

Pinnacle Entertainment Chairman Dan Lee says there is a 50 percent chance the $1.5 billion megaresort planned for the site of the former casino will not be built.
Staff photo by Edward Lea









ATLANTIC CITY - The sprawling dirt site where Pinnacle Entertainment's $1.5 billion megaresort is supposed to rise will remain vacant for at least two more years.

Construction will start no earlier than 2010 - if ever - on the now-cleared land where the old Sands Casino Hotel once stood, Pinnacle Chairman Dan Lee said Wednesday while giving a cautious update on the project.
Lee put the odds of Pinnacle ever building the new casino at 50 percent, conceding that the property may be sold and his company could pull out of Atlantic City if the credit crisis continues.
"Frankly, we'll see if it even makes sense to go ahead in Atlantic City," he told gaming analysts during a conference call to discuss Pinnacle's first-quarter earnings.
Lee noted that it will take at least a year or two just to arrange the financing, a difficult task right now amid the global credit crunch that has all but dried up funding for major casino projects.
Securing regulatory approvals and lining up the tenants for the retail shops and other nongaming attractions in the casino complex also would take as long as two years to complete, according to Lee.

"Atlantic City is quite a ways down the road," he said.
Pinnacle originally planned to start construction this year, with a grand opening in late 2011 or early 2012. Three months ago, Lee disclosed that Pinnacle would delay construction until 2009 because of turmoil in the credit markets. On Wednesday, the company pushed back the timetable again, to 2010.
"We're somewhere within that timeframe, but because of the credit markets, it's hard to pin down," Pinnacle spokeswoman Pauline Yoshihashi said. "We're still in the same ballpark, but it's a pretty big ballpark. It will be 2010 at the earliest."
The Atlantic City project, Yoshihashi said, would follow construction of The Casino at Riviere, a $250 million gaming complex that Pinnacle plans to open in 2010 in Baton Rouge, La.
Lee outlined four scenarios for the vacant land in Atlantic City. The company hopes to build a massive, Las Vegas-style casino overlooking the Boardwalk.
Pinnacle's first choice is to develop the casino by itself. Another option is to sell the land, which Lee characterized as remote because of the big tax bill the company would incur. Other less likely possibilities include taking on a partner for a joint venture or having another company buy Pinnacle Entertainment if it wants to enter the Atlantic City market, Lee said.
Pinnacle is close to completing conceptual designs and expects to refine the development costs for the casino in coming months. Previously, it estimated the cost at $1.5 billion. Design work alone will carry a $100 million price tag, Lee said.
In giving a sneak preview of the project, Lee said Pinnacle is thinking of building as many as 3,000 hotel rooms and an array of retail-entertainment attractions rivaling those at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
"This is a much more competitive environment. We need to have the ability to build something that is comparable to the Borgata or Harrah's Marina," he said of two of Atlantic City's top-tier casinos.
Lee said Pinnacle has ruled out making a bid for the Tropicana Casino and Resort, a property it tried to buy in 2006 but lost out to Columbia Sussex Corp. Tropicana was stripped of its license in December and is now up for sale following a tumultuous year of declining revenue, regulatory violations and mass layoffs under Columbia's ownership.
"We've made our bet in Atlantic City," Lee said of Pinnacle's interest in its own project instead of the Tropicana. "I think we've made a big enough bet and we don't need to up it again."
Columbia Sussex affiliate Tropicana Entertainment LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday for nine of its casinos in Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana and Indiana. Atlantic City's Tropicana casino, no longer owned by Columbia and now under the control of a state-appointed conservator, was not included in the bankruptcy filing.
To e-mail Donald Wittkowski at The Press: DWittkowski@pressofac.com (DWittkowski@pressofac.com)

[American Gaming Guru]

It should be real interesting to see how they move the Knife & Fork. I love that historic place and hope that it does not get destroyed.

Atlantic City Council OKs redevelopment plan; Casino project would relocate Knife & Fork, monument

By MICHAEL CLARK Staff Writer, 609-272-7204
Published: Thursday, May 08, 2008






ATLANTIC CITY - A redevelopment plan that would relocate several city landmarks and remake various vacant lots was unanimously passed through City Council on Wednesday night.

City Council voted 9-0 to approve the plan that will relocate the city's 86-year-old World War I monument and the famous Knife & Fork restaurant to make way for a $1.5 million to $2 million casino project.
Much of the land, which also includes the former city high school site and the Masjid Al-Taqwa, a local mosque, is where former Park Place Entertainment CEO Wally Barr and former Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director Curtis Bashaw have proposed a casino project.
The development group has an option to buy the Knife & Fork in 2009. The landmark restaurant, which dates to 1912, would be moved from its perch at the intersection of Albany, Atlantic and Pacific avenues to a vacant lot a block away at Hartford and Pac ific avenues.
The monument, located in the middle of a traffic circle on Albany Avenue, would be moved to the adjacent O'Donnell Memorial Park to accommodate the proposed widening of Albany Avenue to create an improved gateway to the new casino.
Bruce Ward, who holds dual titles as a city councilman and Planning Board member, said the relocation of the memorial will make it much more accessible.

"When I went to Atlantic City High School, you couldn't get to the memorial," Ward said. "Putting it in the park makes it more likely for people to appreciate it."
The majority of the redevelopment area has been vacant for more than two decades. At least two previously announced projects fell through.
The casino is the fourth proposed in a boom that has billions of development dollars contemplated. Revel Entertainment is working on a $2 billion development in the South Inlet, Pinnacle Entertainment has plans in limbo to build on the former Sands Hotel & Casino site, and MGM Mirage has announced a $5 billion plan adjacent to the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.
Named the Atlantic Beach Resort & Casino, the Barr and Bashaw megaresort would feature a 2,000-room hotel tower standing 832 feet high, which would make it the tallest building in the city. There would be 210,000 square feet of gaming space, nearly 350,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment attractions, and 150,000 square feet of convention space.
Bashaw is also part of A.C. Beach Development Partners LLC, which bought the resort's Holiday Inn and neighboring Howard Johnson. The company closed both in September to start a $93 million renovation.
Barr and Bashaw already own or have options on enough land to build their project. City tax files show that a Delaware corporation, AC Gateway LLC, spent more than $17.7 million in 2006 and 2007 buying land. Among other tracts, the company owns the former city high school site on the west side of Albany Avenue between Atlantic and Ventnor avenues.

To e-mail Michael Clark at The Press: Michael.Clark@pressofac.com (Michael.Clark@pressofac.com)

[AC11]

Apparently the lighting scheme on the new Harrah's Tower is complex enough to play video. It is not projected, but actually done with the built in lighting. I saw this first hand about three nights ago. I'd assume they were testing it. Cant wait to see it fully in action. Are there any other buildings that can actually play video on there outer wall anywhere?

I'll try to get a picture or vid to post.

[blackdragon905]

The article basically said that CEO of Trump Entertainment Mark Juliano has put the 3 resorts up for sale and that the really telling thing is that he basically said that no reasonable offer will be refused. What do you guys think? If the resorts or just one gets sold would the company refurbish it and add some new things or just tear it down and start over again with a much better design?

http://www.atlanticcitytripping.com/cityboom/post.php?p=27

[AC11]

I think Taj stays put, especially because of the new tower and recent redo of the floor and addition of spice road.
The Plaza could go either way. It would make sense to tear down the east tower and incorporate the rest of the block into a new development that could tie into the existing Plaza, essentially doubling the size.
The Marina I believe sits on the best piece of property in the city. The view and integration of the Farley Marina make it truly unique. The building itself, however looks like an old hospital. Rumors have Isle of Capri interested in the Marina, and if they or any other potential buyer could wrangle that small piece of land behind the marina from MGM, it could turn into a spectacular property...but that is all a very long shot.

[blackdragon905]

One more question, what ever happened to those rumors that Wynn and Trump were planning on building a resort together that would include the Trump Plaza and the convention center? Is Wynn still interested in AC and what can we expect from him if he decides to build?

[STT757]

The article basically said that CEO of Trump Entertainment Mark Juliano has put the 3 resorts up for sale and that the really telling thing is that he basically said that no reasonable offer will be refused. What do you guys think? If the resorts or just one gets sold would the company refurbish it and add some new things or just tear it down and start over again with a much better design?

http://www.atlanticcitytripping.com/cityboom/post.php?p=27

I always thought Trump Marina was the perfect size to be converted into a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, it's about the same size as the one I visited in Tampa last year. That would bring another property to Atlantic City that attracts younger crowds.

Now I know that Sheldon G. Adelson stated he would not bring his Venetian brand to Atlantic City, however if he would reconsider I think the Taj Mahal property would be the perfect spot.

The Plaza was rumored to be under negotiations with Wynn, which would include the convention hall property. The Wynn Las Vegas was amazing when I visited last July, a ultra Luxury property on the Board Walk would help turn that part of town into a more suitable competitor to the Borgata and MGM properties.

[zipburn]

First off the big disappointment is the train(ACES), it is now delayed until early 09. Recently the former pennys in heaven section of the trop turned into a havana theme, which is pretty whimisical but is much better then previous versions and the new bar is almost completed in the center of the main floor of the tropicana it looks really good. At the revel site they are at least one floor up on the north side. Borgata is planting huge pine/spruce trees on the side that borders the mgm site, I'm guessing to block view of the lower level construction of mgm grand atlantic city. Patsy's in the hilton is almost completed(formerly caruso's) looks very nice. Now onto the beef of this story below, I am shocked to hear that cordish is still in the running, last i heard it was down to two. Now that is in the paper I guess I can release what I heard. Im going to use this press article as fact. From all instances Colony Capital is in it, down to the final two. Originally i heard a final five when i posted that the players where in town for a tour of the property. The Bashaw/Barr group was the additional company not listed out of the four below. After I heard of the five, I heard it was down to four and cordish/gomes had been eliminated(why this story is such a shock), then on pinky's show with out listing names heard him say three companies had filed with the CCC, a few days later bashaw/barr released their plans for the the atlantic beach resort, one can assume that they were holding off on plans because of the chance of buying the trop... that night i heard it was down to two and colony capital was still in it... but i can't verify how well that source is connected.. but all previous information is from very, very reputable sources..

Developer teams up with Wall Street investment bank in bid to buy Tropicana

By DONALD WITTKOWSKI Staff Writer, 609-272-7258
Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2008






ATLANTIC CITY - Real estate developer Cordish Co. has the backing of Wall Street financial giant Goldman Sachs in its attempt to buy the troubled Tropicana Casino and Resort, the company's chairman said Tuesday.

David S. Cordish would not divulge the amount of his company's bid but confirmed that Goldman Sachs would help finance the deal if his investment group acquires the casino.
"We know we're in the running, and we would love to have it," Cordish said of Tropicana. "We have a partnership with Goldman Sachs. Unlike the other bidders, we have all of the financing. We will do it right and are ready to proceed."
Tropicana went up for sale after its former owner, Columbia Sussex Corp., was stripped of its New Jersey gaming license in December following mass layoffs, regulatory violations and customer complaints of bedbugs, smelly rooms and other unsanitary conditions.
The casino is now under the control of a state-appointed conservator, Gary S. Stein, a former New Jersey Supreme Court justice. Stein is overseeing Tropicana's sale but has declined to reveal the names of the would-be buyers or even say how many bids have been submitted.

In addition to Cordish, other bidders are said to include Colony Capital LLC, Planet Hollywood and a New York investment group headed by developer Joseph Palladino. Colony Capital, a private real estate investment firm based in Los Angeles, already owns the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort and sister property Resorts Atlantic City.

Baltimore-based Cordish is one of the country's best known urban developers. It won national acclaim for revitalizing Baltimore's Inner Harbor with new retail shops and entertainment attractions. In Atlantic City, Cordish transformed a blighted section of midtown into a tourist-friendly shopping district known as The Walk.
Cordish's bid for Tropicana reflects the company's desire to add casinos to its real estate empire. The company has teamed with former Tropicana executive Dennis Gomes to develop new casinos, including projects in Indiana and Kansas. Gomes is also part of the group that is trying to buy Tropicana.
David Cordish spoke only in broad terms in describing what he would do with Tropicana to rebuild its tattered public image and declining customer base.
"It will be a typical Cordish project," he said. "It will work. It will sing."
Cordish, noting his company's strength in managing retail projects, hinted at possibilities in capitalizing on Tropicana's mall-like shopping and entertainment complex, known as The Quarter.
"The Quarter is a good start, but it's not a finish," he said.
Although he is enthusiastic about buying Tropicana, Cordish expressed frustration with the slow pace of the bidding process. Stein originally said he expected to have a contract of sale by the end of April, but now it is unclear when he will select the winning bidder.
"I don't think it is in the best interest of the property or the state of New Jersey or Atlantic City to have this drag on," Cordish said in an interview Tuesday at the East Coast Gaming Congress, where he was one of the featured speakers. "I think the property needs to get into private hands. It's been a while. It needs to move now."
Columbia Sussex affiliate Tropicana Entertainment LLC has filed a lawsuit asking a New Jersey appeals court to block the sale and restore its license. The sale cannot be completed until the court rules in the case. The court has not set a date for its ruling.
Lawrence Klatzkin, a gaming analyst with Jefferies & Co., estimated that Tropicana could fetch a winning bid of $1 billion or more. Fellow analysts John Maxwell, of Merrill Lynch, and Joel Simkins, of Macquarie Securities, said Atlantic City's sluggish casino market would probably hold the purchase price below $1 billion.
"I don't think it should go for a billion. I just think that the buyers are pushing it there," Klatzkin said of Tropicana's sale during a panel discussion of Wall Street analysts at the East Coast Gaming Congress in Atlantic City.
To e-mail Donald Wittkowski at The Press: DWittkowski@pressofac.com (DWittkowski@pressofac.com)

[AC11]

I have to believe that Cordish is a pretty strong contender for the Trop. They have produced tangible results in AC with the walk and Gomes was the leader in place for The Quarter project. Seems to be a good match. Colony put in a nice offer, allocating $100m right off the bat for improvements, but their other AC properties have not done anything spectacular with the land that they own. It will be interesting to see what happens. Nothing can happen until the inept former owners get denied their appeal, which I hope happens soon.

On another note, Pinky mentioned that the Trump Marina may become a Margaritaville themed casino. I have heard rumblings of Isle of Capri being interested...so this does make sense.

[American Gaming Guru]

zipburn,

Very nice analysis and inside info! On the contrary, I heard that Cordish was never out but also as you said that Colony is a serious bidder. My own thoughts are that Colony has deep pockets which is good. But their philosophy seems to always have been to buy distressed gaming assets, turn their operations around and then sell the property for a tidy profit. They certainly don't run them into the ground, but they usually do not invest large sums of capital into them either.

Cordish, on the other hand, is a group of visionaries that frequently buy down and out properties and sink a tremendous amount of capital and creativity into them. Just take a look at The Walk!

Contrary to what I have heard, by mostly Trop employees, I also believe Dennis Gomes to be one of the savviest operators in the business. So a Cordish/Gomes/Goldman partnership would easily be one of the strongest operators in my mind. Creativity/Operations/Capital.

But we shall see. This is very exciting stuff. But then again, I would not expect to see a sale go through till Columbia Sussex is done appealing the CCC's decision.

On another note. This is from Pinky's Corner today:

Pinky's Corner

Margaritaville in Atlantic City? http://www.acweekly.com/images/shim.gif by Pinky Kravitz (pinky@acweekly.com)

http://www.acweekly.com/images/shim.gif


A few weeks ago, it was noted in this column that margaritas may be coming to the Marina district of Atlantic City. Rumors abound that not only will there be margaritas in the Marina area, but there will be a complete Margaritaville development. According to those supposedly in the know, in the not too distant future there will be an announcement that will be very pleasing to those who are fans of musician Jimmy Buffett. As of print time, there have been no definitive responses to queries from anyone supposedly involved in this project. No one wants to talk about it ­— but the rumors persist and there is a belief that this rumor will likely become a reality. You might be asking yourself where in the Marina area would this development be? I have, and it leads this columnist to believe there is only one site that would be suitable for a Margaritaville. I’ll leave it to you to figure it out.

My only guess is that it would be on MGM's property adjacent to Trump Marina. Its seems to be the only real property that can accommodate another resort. It would be PERFECT for a water-side themed Margaritaville Resort. My only though that it might not be that property is because Harrah's already kind of owns the Margaritaville Casino/Resort concept. They are currently building one in Biloxi and have a Margaritaville at Harrah's in Las Vegas. Would MGM sell Harrah's their land adjacent to Trump Marina for such a project? Perhaps MGM has no interest in it and prefers critical mass in the marina district for when their property comes on-line. Perhaps MGM is partnering with Jimmy Buffet directly. Or perhaps the rumored Margaritaville will be just a further extension of Harrah's. I am just not sure where they would put it on that property.

[Fabrizio]

Jimmy Buffetts "Margaritaville"? OMG... how corny and old... imagine the types that would flock to that.

At least some of the Las Vegas "themed" things like the Bellagio , the Venetian are ultra luxurious, which puts them at another level... kitsch, yes... but also kind of cool.

I was surprised at the AC Tropicana's Cuban theme. The result was so sad and 1970's in feel.

---

http://www.margaritaville.com/index.php?page=pphotos

[American Gaming Guru]

Actually, I have been to 2 Margaritaville restaurants. Yes they are corny, but fun. They have a very relaxed atmosphere to them and seem to attract a wide audience/customer base. I think the concept is decent.

Below are pics that I took on Friday 5/23/08 for eveyone.

Enjoy.

[American Gaming Guru]

Here is Revel as of Friday May 23rd:

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4075.jpg?t=1211847545
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4074.jpg?t=1211847578

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4073.jpg?t=1211847593

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4072.jpg?t=1211847606

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4071.jpg?t=1211847618

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4070.jpg?t=1211847633

[American Gaming Guru]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4068.jpg?t=1211847718

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4069.jpg?t=1211847735

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4076.jpg?t=1211847747

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4077.jpg?t=1211847762

[American Gaming Guru]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4003.jpg?t=1211847839

[American Gaming Guru]

This tower looks great! The small spots on the exterior are window washers.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4002.jpg?t=1211847865

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4001.jpg?t=1211847940

[American Gaming Guru]

Pinnacle continues to clear all old remnants of The Sands from their site. Clean up continues from a recently imploded garage. One still remains on the back right.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4079.jpg?t=1211848171

[American Gaming Guru]

Judging by visuals, it looks to me that the developer's are going to have a rough time delivering this property by the first weekend in August for when they have begun accepting reservations.

The "Lux" tower (old Holiday Inn) looks much further along than the "Lite" (old Howard Johnson). The old Howard Johnsons was more of a mess to begin with.

Many people are anxiously awaiting The Chelsea's arrival!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4086.jpg?t=1211848474

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/AmericanGG/ACUpdate4085.jpg?t=1211848493

[giselehaslice]

WOW Revel is looking good. The Water Club looks great, love the signage.

[blackdragon905]

American, thanks so much! Revel has really picked it up, its very exciting, and the new towers look great as well. Awesome pics, keep them coming when u get a chance lol!!!!!!!!

[66nexus]

For whoever mentioned that the new Harrah's tower displayed video I didn't know you meant the whole thing!

http://acua.com/alternative/a_projects_dsply.cfm?id=275

(hope I'm allowed to post this link)

That thing is probably visible for miles

[Fabrizio]

The Chelsea looks good.... integrated into the street.

The others are disasters. Note the public areas... these streets will be no man's land.

Style-wise, all of the towers pictured are a big improvement over some of the previous things done in AC, but architecturally speaking, they're 3rd rate in today's world. Office park high-rises.

Funny that the Chelsea, an ex-HowardJohnsons from the 1960's, will by far be the most stylish of the lot.


---

[AC11]

I agree about the streets becoming no mans land. Just a blank canyon on each side. I think Revel will be particularly bad in that regard. New Jersey ave, metropolitan ave and to an extent oriental ave. will all just be walls from the renderings.
MGM is not part of the street scape out there in the marina district, so integrating is not such a hugh priority for them.
I have faith that Bashaw will do the right thing with his new property.

[Fabrizio]

Bashaw will do the right thing because he obviously loves AC. Remember he's the owner of the landmarked CongressHall in CapeMay. He has taste and understanding. He also restored the Virginia Hotel:

http://www.virginiahotel.com/

The Chelsea will connect to AC, but these huge mega-corporations could not care less if they create blank walls and wipe out any semblance of "city".

I agree that no harm is done at the Marina with bunker-style hotels.... but look at the bland architecture going up. The WaterClub? Charmless, anonymous office-park architecture. I guess we should feel grateful for the cool sign at the top.

[66nexus]

Bashaw will do the right thing because he obviously loves AC. Remember he's the owner of the landmarked CongressHall in CapeMay. He has taste and understanding. He also restored the Virginia Hotel:

http://www.virginiahotel.com/

The Chelsea will connect to AC, but these huge mega-corporations could not care less if they create blank walls and wipe out any semblance of "city".

I agree that no harm is done at the Marina with bunker-style hotels.... but look at the bland architecture going up. The WaterClub? Charmless, anonymous office-park architecture. I guess we should feel grateful for the cool sign at the top.

I seriously doubt that Boyd was going for charm. As seen with the newer 'Vegas-style' casinos (which still seem to be the benchmark), it's more of what's on the inside. The Wynn for example, sophisticated, elegant and well...plain. Even Harrah's new tower, plain but I like it. Especially the whole 'screen' thing.

Simple architecture is dead. Most modern buildings are colored glass with lighting schemes.

[66nexus]

I agree about the streets becoming no mans land. Just a blank canyon on each side. I think Revel will be particularly bad in that regard. New Jersey ave, metropolitan ave and to an extent oriental ave. will all just be walls from the renderings.
MGM is not part of the street scape out there in the marina district, so integrating is not such a hugh priority for them.
I have faith that Bashaw will do the right thing with his new property.

I think Revel can do it right if they just don't close off the streets. I mean, not for nothing, but that property was just a giant sand lot that didn't really have any 'city' in it. It seems that Trump's horribly named 'Chairman Tower' completely blocks off whatever the name of that street it sits on.

[Fabrizio]

The Wynn is not plain... it is simple, but not plain. Compared to the WaterClub or the new Trump thing, the look is actually sophisticated and expensively detailed (note the curved glass) Compare this to the WaterClub or the Trump thing:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11635037@N02/1162346122/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vegasrealestate/147105395/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neighborhoodimages/291855729/in/set-72157594159245377/

---

[giselehaslice]

Actually, I think that the Water Club is designed just as nicely as Wynn.
Harrah's too, its more "Modern" though with the blue glass rather than brownish.
Trump, Not so much.

[pianoman11686]

The Wynn is a marvel, both in terms of exterior architecture and interior design. One of the plushest, most beautifully-appointed buildings I've ever seen, anywhere. I doubt anything in Atlantic City will ever approach that level of expense and attention to detail.

The Borgata is very nice, but in a Bellagio-lite sort of way. I expect the rest of these new hotels to be similarly [insert name of recent Vegas hotel]-lite.

[American Gaming Guru]

I am hoping that Wynn bids on Bader!

In terms of giving back to the street, agreed, look for The Chelsea to do it! That immediate area could need a boost too.

[blackdragon905]

I agree too, I think Wynn should bid on Bader and I hope he gets it. One could only imagine how fantastic that area would become.

[acplayer]

Nice pics AGG. I agree about no street level pedestrian scale. The Water Club is on a city street grid so it's not such a big deal but I don't care much for Trump's tower. Here's what the Revel site looked like from Garden Pier in 1917. What a beautiful city A.C. once was...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh72/acplayerr/acbreakershotel1917.jpg

[Fabrizio]

And you don't even have to go back that far. This area looked pretty much like this through the 1960's. The Breakers and St. Charles were torn down in the 70's. Notice how classy, how European the area looked... and this area is far from the center. (Notice too, the wide flat beach).

[Fabrizio]

Actually, I think that the Water Club is designed just as