Historic Preservation Grants Announced for Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY – Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and the City of Atlantic City on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, announced exciting news from the New Jersey Historic Trust, which has recommended five grants for various preservation projects in the city. Among the applications, three are city-sponsored initiatives: the interior restoration of Fire House #2, assessments and design work for Fire Houses #3 and #6, and funding for a Black history tour that highlights Atlantic City’s rich African American cultural and architectural heritage. Notably, no other city received as much funding as Atlantic City. Additionally, grants were recommended for the Absecon Lighthouse and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Since establishing a Historic Preservation Commission in 2019 and becoming a Certified Local Government in 2020, Atlantic City has gained the ability to comment on National Register of Historic Places nominations, receive enhanced technical assistance, and apply for exclusive preservation planning grants.

Construction has recently begun on the exterior restoration of the historic Fire House #2, located at the corner of Indiana and Baltic Avenues. This $750,000 grant will support improvements to the interior, including upgrades to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, as well as rehabilitating the first floor while preserving original finishes. Architecturally significant, Fire House #2 features a Romanesque Revival style with a two-story base and a prominent four-story tower. Originally designed to house horse-drawn fire engines, the original stable still exists on the property. This Fire House is a vital part of the Northside Institutional Historic District, which retains a high degree of historical integrity.

An additional $750,000 in capital grants has been recommended for both the Absecon Lighthouse and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. These recommendations, approved by the New Jersey Historic Trust Board, will be presented to the Garden State Preservation Trust at its next meeting, pending legislative appropriations and the Governor’s approval for fund disbursement.

In the private sector, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board has approved a tax credit award of up to $8 million for rehabilitating the Schwehm Building at 1 South New York Avenue. The Atlantic Lofts Rehabilitation Project, led by Odin Properties of Philadelphia, aims to transform this underutilized eight-story office building into 56 new residential units and commercial spaces, representing a $22.5 million investment in the Downtown District.

Furthermore, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has announced that eleven nonprofits and businesses in Atlantic City have received Food Security Grants. This pilot program awards between $50,000 and $500,000 to enhance food access and security. Earlier this year, the City received two NJEDA planning grants for food desert initiatives, with both Ideal Institute of Technology and Mighty Writers awarded $500,000 implementation grants.

With these funds, Ideal will develop a co-op market within a vacant mixed-use property that has stood unused for over 20 years. The ground floor will house the co-op market, complemented by upper-level aquaponic vertical farms. It will source produce and seafood from local providers year-round, create jobs focused on youth employment, and offer job training in retail and agriculture. Additionally, the market will provide delivery services to residents with limited transportation options. Mighty Writers will establish a new food pantry in the former Ginsburg Bakery storefront in the Northside neighborhood, supported by a partnership with the City under the NJEDA Food Security Planning Grant Program.

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