Competition breeds greatness and Atlantic City is benefiting from that competitive spirit in recent proposals from two local Real Estate developers.
Bart Blatstein of Tower Investments, is the man who transformed the struggling Pier at Caesars into ‘The Playground’. Bart wants to turn the old comfort station /men’s room at Kennedy Plaza into a cafe and restaurant.
George Siganos of Siganos Management has similar interest in that classic stone structure across from Boardwalk Hall.
A reborn pavilion at Kennedy Plaza could become a French style cafe with indoor and outdoor seating” complete with entertainment.
According to the Press of Atlantic City, Siganos is offering an annual rent payment of $100,000 to the city, in addition to 8 percent of net revenues over $1 million, while claiming the cafe would employ 20 people year-round and 50 seasonal workers.
The Siganos Group operates 8 eateries in Atlantic City. Founder George Siganos has been a local merchant since 1983.
Blatstein would also like to transform the historic Garden Pier, located across from the shuttered Revel & Showboat casino properties. The storm shortened but nicely renovated pier at New Jersey and the Boardwalk is home to the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Art Center.
Could the 100 year old pier become an entertainment mecca with art, music, food… and maybe even a hotel? Built in 1913, Garden Pier once featured flowers on the 1,500-foot pier’s tip. After being damaged by one too many storms, including the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944, the city took ownership of the battered pier in 1944.
During it’s heyday, Garden Pier in Atlantic City hosted theater, conventions, and the first ‘Golden Mermaid’ beauty contest, forerunner to the Miss America Pageant.
In 1999, City Council considered but ultimately rejected a plan to let MGM Grand Inc. develop Garden Pier. Revel also gave some thought to reviving the historic pier at one time. A total of 14 parcels were put up for grabs by the City earlier this summer. Proposals and plans are currently being reviewed by City Hall and must be approved by City Council.
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