A rendering of the next phase of Stockton University’s campus in Atlantic City, which would be developed by the Atlantic City Development Corp. — Courtesy: Stockton University
By Joshua Burd
A development team is moving ahead with plans for a new Stockton University residence hall in Atlantic City, the next phase of a major redevelopment in a key section of the resort town.
Stockton and its developer, Atlantic City Development Corp., announced Friday that they would proceed with phase two of the city’s University District. Located at Atlantic and South Providence avenues, the proposed 140,000-square-foot building would include apartment-style living with 416 beds, along with a lounge, meeting room and laundry facilities.
The complex would replace the Eldredge Building, a six-story commercial property built in 1924, sitting across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and about a block from two existing Stockton buildings. Construction will once again take place through a public-private partnership with AC Devco, which developed the first phase of Stockton’s Atlantic City campus and a new headquarters tower for South Jersey Gas.
The $210 million project, which stretched from early 2017 to late 2018, was collectively known as the Atlantic City Gateway.
“Stockton University and its partners set the stage for a new economic development strategy with the Gateway initiative,” said Christopher Paladino, AC Devco’s president. “Today thousands of students, staff, visitors and employees of Stockton, South Jersey Gas and AtlantiCare have changed the tempo of the streets of Chelsea. This Phase II investment will further add to the vibrancy of the neighborhood.”
Stockton Atlantic City opened in fall 2018 with an academic building, a 543-bed residential complex and a parking garage. This spring, almost 1,500 students are taking at least one class in the John F. Scarpa Academic Center.
The second phase was contingent on funding in the state budget.
“We thank Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Sweeney and the Legislature for providing the support Stockton needs to operate and expand our Atlantic City campus,” Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said. “We are excited to be able to expand our presence in Atlantic City and contribute to creating a more diversified economy. The new residence hall will allow even more students to live, learn and earn in Atlantic City through academic, internship and employment opportunities.”
Demolition of the Eldredge Building is projected for this summer, with construction of the new residence hall to begin in the fall, Stockton said. The target date for move-ins is fall 2022.
Atlantic City milestone: New HQ tower marks completion of Gateway project
