Spectra, Meet AC and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, have officially kicked off a $9.1 million restroom renovation project at the Atlantic City Convention Center with the help of several of the venues’ annual event and meeting planners. Local dignitaries, staff and clients each took a swing of the sledgehammer to the toilets scheduled for demolition. The year-long project which will completely overhaul the venue’s 32 restrooms began Oct. 29 with expected completion by September 2019.
“The CRDA is excited to continue to invest to make the Atlantic City Convention Center one of the premier convention centers on the east coast,” says Marshall Spevak, deputy executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. “This much-needed upgrade will be a benefit to the ACCC’s growing customer base, and will also make us more environmentally friendly and economically efficient.”
Spectra partnered with several organizations to design the new facilities which have largely remained the same since the venue opened in 1997. The facelift will modernize more than 20,000 square feet of space and will include the installation all new wall tile, flooring, mirrors, toilets and lighting.
“Understanding our patron’s wants and needs was crucial to this upgrade which is why we have several of our clients here,” says Spectra’s Dean Dennis, general manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center. “The project has been planned for some time and we are pleased to be getting underway. At any given time, at least two sets (men’s and women’s) of restrooms will be under construction, and at times there may be up to four sets under construction at once. Communication to our clients and our guests while they are here is key; we intend to provide extra directional signage and limit the construction noise and traffic during the process to alleviate any inconveniences to our customers.”
The renovations support the venue’s LEED Certification process which is currently underway. The design includes new hands-free fixtures, auto-flush toilets and automatic faucets and electric hand dryers. The new low flow flush valves for toilets will be going from 1.6 gallons per flush to 1.28 GPF, saving an estimated 100,000 gallons of water annually. In addition, each restroom will have individual climate controls to adjust the temperatures throughout the changing seasons and hot water circulators to improve hot water response efficiency.
The updated design features green and blue glass and vein cut porcelain wall tiles with accents of geometric dimensional tiles. The walls are complemented with concrete-look floor tiles with accents of Carrara porcelain, to create a blend of traditional and modern design elements. New vanities with long trough sinks, quartz surfaces and backlit mirrors, along with automated soap dispensers and faucets update the functionality of the restrooms and add to the sleek contemporary style. New, modern restroom entry portals with signage will bring warmth to the halls with the use of wood accents and amber acrylics.
“We are thrilled for the upcoming bathroom renovation project at the Atlantic City Convention Center,” says Trish McCormick, show manager, The Pool & Spa Show. “The Pool & Spa Show has been meeting in Atlantic City for many years and this renovation, along with other projects will not only enhance the attendee experience, but keep the venue up-to-date and on trend.”
By the numbers:
Items to be removed:
- Toilets /cubicles – 260
- Urinals – 130
- Sinks/Faucets – 215
- Acoustical ceilings – 20,000 square feet
Items to be installed:
- Floor tile – 20,000 square feet
- Wall tile – 40,000 square feet
- Mirrors/toilet accessories/lighting – 1,800 each
Additional organizations instrumental in this project’s completion include professional consultants SOSH Architects and Concord Engineering and General Contractor, KHS&S. The Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Spectra provides both venue management and food services & hospitality to both venues.
Meet AC, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) organization formed and funded as a public-private partnership by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to create economic development through conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism. Meet AC focuses on three primary objectives: sales, marketing and services. For more info, visit meetac.com.
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: venue management, food services & hospitality and partnerships. For more info, visit spectraexperiences.com.
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more info, visit njcrda.com.
