Developer Will Convert Upscale Atlantic City Shopping Mall Into Entertainment and Leisure Venue
By Pat Loeb
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- Developer Bart Blatstein pulled out all the stops today as he detailed his renovation plans for a shopping mall on the Atlantic City boardwalk.
As the first order of business, the struggling Pier Shops at Caesars Casino will be renamed the "Playground," to reflect its shift from high-end shopping to an entertainment complex that will feature a bowling alley, a concert venue, and a Main-Street-like thoroughfare along which storefront bars will feature live music.
Today's announcement played up that theme, with rock-and-roll bands, food, and tables laden with glasses of wine.
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Blatstein, joined by city and state officials, promised it would be the #1 attraction in Atlantic City.
"This place can't fail," Blatstein said. "It won't fail. I've never not picked an area that was going to turn around."
He said he expects parts of the Playground to open this summer, and the rest by the end of the year.
