Community Investment: Historic Preservation Grants Bolster Atlantic City’s Cultural Legacy

Atlantic City has emerged as a leader in historic preservation, with five significant grant recommendations from the New Jersey Historic Trust, highlighting the city’s commitment to celebrating and preserving its cultural heritage. No other city received as much funding, underscoring Atlantic City’s focus on preserving its historic landmarks and African American cultural legacy.

The grants include funding for three city-sponsored projects:

• Interior restoration of Fire House #2: Following the recent completion of exterior restoration, this grant will enable upgrades to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems while preserving original finishes on the first floor.
• Condition assessments for Fire Houses #3 and #6: These assessments will pave the way for future restoration of these historic structures.
• Black history tour development: This initiative will celebrate the city’s rich African American cultural and architectural history.

In addition to the city-sponsored projects, $750,000 capital grants were recommended for the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest and oldest operating lighthouse, and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, an iconic entertainment venue on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Atlantic City’s dedication to historic preservation has been bolstered by its 2019 establishment of a Historic Preservation Commission and its 2020 designation as a Certified Local Government (CLG). As a CLG, Atlantic City benefits from enhanced technical assistance, the ability to comment on National Register of Historic Places nominations, and exclusive access to preservation planning grants.

These grant recommendations, approved by the New Jersey Historic Trust Board, will be presented to the Garden State Preservation Trust for review and require legislative appropriations and the Governor’s approval before funds are distributed.

The restoration of Atlantic City’s historic landmarks not only preserves its architectural treasures but also fosters community pride and strengthens the city’s appeal to residents and visitors alike. Through these investments, Atlantic City continues to honor its past while shaping a vibrant future.