Bringing New Life to the Boardwalk

Long before 40-story towers of glass and 24-hour gambling, Atlantic City was known for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and for its world-famous Boardwalk. While many buildings throughout the city deteriorated due to lack of care, properties along the Boardwalk not only suffered from years of neglect, but also had to endure the harsh weather conditions.

Most recently, the ACSID's Executive Committee and the Facade Committee came to the conclusion that breathing new life into the Boardwalk should become a serious priority. Along with substantial private investment, the Atlantic City Boardwalk, in 2003, began its remarkable comeback.

Located on the Boardwalk at South Carolina Avenue, adjacent to the newly created Rotary Plaza, Pappa T's Pizza, Rona's Fashions, Seaview Souvenirs and Irene's (above, before, and below, after) became the first contiguous set of stores on the Boardwalk to receive a facade enhancement.

Although it was completed in 2003, this project began during the summer of 2002 with the painting of the upper floor facade at Irene's, an Atlantic City landmark for many years. Later, the upper facade of the remaining stores was repainted as well. By the start of the New Year, all of the old signage above Pappa T's, Rona's Fashions and Seaview Souvenirs had been removed. New sliding-glass storefronts were constructed at Seaview Souvenirs and Irene's. The massive marquee that stretches across three storefronts and its bright neon lettering catch the eye when seen at night.

The most ambitious Boardwalk renovation project of the year occurred when Siganos Boardwalk Properties Inc., in conjunction with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), redeveloped an entire block, consisting of 15 stores between Indiana Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, at a total cost of $3 million.

Siganos Plaza at 1700 Boardwalk (below) and its Mediterranean-styled facades come complete with an eclectic mix of shops, ranging in size from 1,100-1,500 square feet. The anchor of this block is the Opa Bar & Grille, a two-story sports bar and restaurant located on the site of the old RCA showroom. Other stores include, Tiki Liki surf shop, Wacky Bear Factory, Aqua Massage, Sports Collection, Toon In, Kandyland, Lady of Leisure and Magnetism. Several eateries - such as China One, Original Philly Steaks,