By: David Zuba, Economic Development Program Assistant, Atlantic City Special Improvement District

During its heyday in the early 20th century, downtowns were the cultural center of every community, complete with stores, shoppers and housing close by. In the 1940’s, inexpensive rural land became readily available and soon businesses abandoned the neighborhoods, which inevitably deteriorated, and relocated to the suburbs for modern commercial properties and abundant parking.

Revitalization efforts began in the early 1990’s to bring about the return of economic health and prosperity, safety and cleanliness, and quality of life to traditional downtowns. The Atlantic City Special Improvement District (ACSID) was formed in 1992 to achieve these goals. In 1999, the ACSID created an Economic Development Division and in 2000 implemented the Façade Improvement Program.

During its first 10 years, the Façade Improvement Program has completed nearly 120 projects throughout the city. These improvements not only have made the properties more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but they have created a clean and safe environment in those areas of the city.

Another important component towards making downtown a popular place to live, work and play is the creation of modern, affordable housing. As downtown living increases in popularity, the streets have become safer and more secure all the while fostering community pride, a desire by others to live there and overall is the driving economic engine powering a successful revitalization. The ACSID’s Façade Improvement Program has played an important role in such a revitalization effort in Atlantic City.

The Façade Improvement Program has helped building/business owners retain their capital in order to fix and/or create upper floor housing. By being approved for grant funding monies that are allocated to be used towards the restoration of their respective facades, several Atlantic City entrepreneurs have used their existing capital to create and/or restore 41 upper floor housing units and 60 seasonal workforce units.

Hasson’s Florist (2329 Atlantic Avenue) created eight upper floor apartments with new air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, fire safety egress/regress and interior structural integrity. 1625 Atlantic Avenue refurbished 17 units on the second and third floors complete with granite and marble counter tops, electrical wiring, wall-to-wall tile throughout the living room and kitchen, trash shoots and a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system. Ducktown Tavern (2400 Atlantic Avenue) created six apartments on the two upper floors. The DK building (22-24 South Pennsylvania Avenue) created four newly refurbished upper floor units. 5 South Pennsylvania refurbished five units on the second, third and fourth floors. Atlantic City Auto Brokers (4025 Ventnor Avenue) utilized its limited space and created one upper floor housing unit.

Grant funding for façade improvements at Maloney’s Uptown Sports Bar & Grille and the Chelsea Pub & Inn helped their respective proprietors use existing capital for interior restorations that have added 60 housing units that are an essential resource for Atlantic City’s seasonal workforce.

Providing safe, modern and affordable housing also contributes to retaining current residents who do not drive and who wish to live where they work. Opportunities also arise as potential residents seek to cut down on transportation time to and from work, shopping and entertainment. As the idea of downtown living continues to increase, more façade improvement grant funding applications that include an upper floor housing element are being received.

Businesses flourish with shoppers on the street, while bright lights and clean streets provide an aura of safety and security for residents and visitors. With it comes an increase in the standard of living and quality of life. Throughout Atlantic City, as more and more façade improvement projects with an upper floor housing element are completed, these revitalization efforts are creating an energetic and positive atmosphere in the community.