The Cordish Company officially broke ground on its $61 million shopping and entertainment complex. "The Walk", on Wednesday, May 22, 2002.

Touted as the missing piece to the puzzle. The Walk is looked upon as a downtown revitalization savior, one that hopefully will convince tourists to change their visits from day trips to overnighters.

"We will bring people back to the streets of Atlantic City just like the way it was when I was a child," Cordish Company Chairman David Cordish (above left) said. "You (Atlantic City) have wonderful hotels and would-class gaming, but what (you) don't have is the retail and entertainment."

The Walk will feature nationally known retailers, such as Timberland, Nautica, Wilson's Leather, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's in its 320,000-square-foot complex, which will sit primarily along Michigan Avenue between Atlantic and Baltic avenues. Cordish, who boldly stated that once it's built " the people will come," is providing $30 million, while the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority is contributing the remaining $31 million and the land.

New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey loudly boasted to the crowd - which featured Senator Bill Gormley, Mayor Lorenzo Langford, CRDA Chairman Edward Grant and hundreds of guests - the importance that Atlantic City holds.

"It is important that we have a vision and a plan for Atlantic City to serve as an economic engine for oriented amenities in order to make Atlantic City the premier destination."

A Memorial Day 2003 grand opening is scheduled.

The Atlantic City Special Improvement District's Board of Directors and Executive Committee meet on the third Thursday of every other month, respectively, at the Special Improvement District office, located in Gordon's Alley. All meetings are open to the public. Below is a list of the upcoming: