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Five projects in Atlantic City will receive $9,849,778 in grants from the state's Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (ART) Program. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the grant awards on Thursday, Feb. 9.
The goal is to support recovery in cities that were especially hurt economically during the pandemic.
"With the help of our partners with the NJEDA, we’ll be able to use this grant funding to push some of our major projects throughout Atlantic City forward, particularly in the Orange Loop area, which has undergone a significant renaissance in recent years," said Mayor Marty Small Sr.
The NJEDA said MAP 3 Partners LLC will get $2,484,850 to build The Orange Loop Container Park. Renovated shipping containers will be used to transform a vacant lot at 1400 Pacific Avenue.
The park will use 28 shipping containers that are eight feet by 20 feet. Some containers will be converted into a hydroponic farm for growing mushrooms and other vegetables.
The containers will also have retail spaces for vendors, classrooms, community space, recording studios, and a record-pressing facility. The plans also called for a live performance stage, rooftop outdoor seating, art installations, and roadside murals.
The NJEDA also said 1519 Boardwalk Qualified Opportunity Zone Business LLC will receive $1,975,000. That money will help fund the conversion of the former James Salt Water Taffy factory into a boutique hotel.
The 1519 Boardwalk project will build the five-story James Hotel, which will have 28 rooms. The building will also have a 180-seat soul food restaurant called Kelsey's on The Boardwalk.
The state grant money will also include $2,785,319 for 2702 Arctic Avenue Associates LLC. The project will rehab a former hardware store into an arts and co-working space.
The Key will include 5,000 square feet of open space that can be used for gatherings like senior events, cultural activities, art exhibits, and performances. The building will also have two residential units.
The NJEDA also said $2 million will go to 155 South Tennessee Qualified Opportunity Zone Business, LLC. The plans will try to highlight Atlantic City as a surfing destination.
The Surf Lodge project will have a surf shop, other first-floor retail space, and 12 residential units. The goal is to offer surfing lessons within the Orange Loop's development along the beachfront.
MudGirls Studios will also get $604,609. The nonprofit will turn a vacant store at 3711 Ventnor Avenue into an art studio for ceramics and pottery.
The building will also have retail, training, and office space. The NJEDA said MudGirls will use the space for its mission of giving artistic and entrepreneurial opportunities to "economically disadvantaged and at-risk women."
Newark will receive $15,301,852 in NJEDA grants for eight projects, including a soul food-inspired fine dining restaurant, a large downtown microbrewery, and additional space for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
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