As New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie advocates for the state to take over finances in ailing Atlantic City, one of the resort town's most resilient casinos is pushing forward with a major investment in property enhancements over the coming year.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa announced late last year its plans for an upscale nightclub, Premier, set debut this spring. On Wednesday, the Borgata revealed it will invest $50 million in multiple new amenities including an outdoor pool complex, a restaurant from award-winning chef Michael Symon and a redesigned food court.
“Borgata’s continued reinvestment in our property and its commitment to Atlantic City is categorically unmatched in the region,” said Tom Ballance, President and Chief Operating Officer for Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “The constant reinvention of our business has been a core principal since entering the market in 2003, and we are pleased to continue developing the type of engaging product that our customers have come to anticipate and expect.”
The new 3,200-square-foot pool complex will include more than 400 chaise lounges, daybeds and cabanas to go with a full-service canopied bar, an entertainment stage to replace the Festival Park venue and several lawn games. With a capacity of 1,000, the complex will feature a Roman-style pool area open to visitors throughout the summer months. A virtual video tour of the planned renovation displays how the pool will be situated on the rest of the casino property.
For the new food court, the Borgata will team up with restaurateur and real estate developer George Siganos to shape The Marketplace Eatery, which will debut this spring below the Poker Room and the Racebook. Options at the casual market, designed to resemble a European bazaar, will include Philly-style fare and a wide range of cuisines as well as pop-up stations for fresh breads, cheeses, fruits, spices and oils.
The Borgata also announced it will add 25,000 square feet of conference space for meetings and conventions, including a 7,000-square-foot ballroom and several meeting rooms.
“Borgata has never been the type of company that rests on our laurels,” said Joe Lupo, Senior Vice President of Operations for Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “Our aggressive nature is such that, not only are we debuting a brand new nightclub, restaurant, and outdoor pool, we are spending an additional $12.5 million in maintenance capital annually. I can confidently say that no one else in this market is making that type of commitment to its product.”