Former Trump Plaza Casino is set to be finally demolished on February 17th, with the planned implosion of the tallest tower of the venue at the center of Atlantic City Boardwalk putting the end of the gambling facility’s era there.
Trump Plaza operated as part of former President Donald Trump’s casino empire after he entered Atlantic City’s gambling market in the 1980s. Despite four bankruptcies, Trump and the properties he once used to run in the sector will leave a mark.
Once serving as the main landmark in the casino landscape of Atlantic City and attracting thousands of tourists, the Trump Plaza offered not only casino gambling but various types of entertainment by hosting wrestling and boxing matches, offering high-quality dining areas, etc. The once iconic casino hosted over 2,000 casino slot machines and more than 90 gaming tables on its second floor.
The Trump Plaza, which started operation in 1984, was shut in 2014 following 30 years in business. Two years later, the Trump Taj Mahal followed suit and closed doors. Trump also owned the Trump Marina that currently operates under the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino brand.
Implosion of the Once Iconic Gambling Property Has Been Delayed
Since its closure in 2014, Trump Plaza has remained vacant but the worst part was that it had started falling apart, with pieces crashing to the ground, posing a threat to people who walk nearby. This prompted the demolition of the complex’s lower sections but the high tower remained. Now, it is set to be finally demolished.
The fate of the once iconic Trump Plaza property is now clear but the further fate of the site still remains unclear for the time being. Although no development plans have been unveiled for the property, the Mayor of Atlantic City, Marty Small, has already shared on a number of occasions that he is willing to see a large family-friendly entertainment complex that would be found attractive not by gamblers only.
Mr. Small called the development of an implosion plan for the property was a long process that had been delayed several times but explained that the Atlantic City authorities are working in collaboration with Icahn Enterprises to get everything done so that it is safe.
Billionaire Carl Icahn currently holds the controlling share of the company that purchased Trump Entertainment Resorts, along with Trump Plaza. He was the one who stopped the auction bid for the property by making a pledge to donate $175,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. In January, the American businessman offered the voluntary money contribution as a replacement for the money that would have been raised for the right of pressing the demolition button.
Last month, the auction house canceled the solicitation of bids after Mr. Icahn shared that the public spectacle could turn out to be a serious safety risk. Now, in cooperation with the city, Bodnar’s Auction house is offering some front-row seat packages for people who would like to watch the demolition live. The bids for these seats are being accepted as donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.