An inventive development looking to bring more retail and dining options to Atlantic City’s Orange Loop neighborhood is in the home stretch of construction and gearing up to launch later this year.
Several tenants have already been secured for AC Container Park, which is taking shape on a formerly vacant lot at 1400 Pacific Avenue. Situated on the road’s corner with Tennessee Avenue, the development is being built by a group called MAP 3 Partners, a group that includes former Hard Rock Hotel & Casino entertainment executive Adam Zengel, educator Paige Washington, and Mark Callazzo.
Designed by Parallel Architectural Group, the park will feature 22 repurposed shipping containers intended to house food vendors, retail shops, community spaces and more. Developer Mark Callazzo told NJ.com that the complex has already signed 14 leases with tenants.
“We’ve got a couple food vendors and craft people and a couple nonprofits that will be having offices here,” Callazzo told the outlet. “There’s a tattoo shop and one container will be used as an urban farm stand, providing eggs and food.”
Other businesses Callazoo mentioned that have signed on at the AC Container Park include a space that will run candle making classes. The development was designed to give a “main street” feel in the heart of Downtown Atlantic City.
Sizes of containers being leased span from 160 square feet up to 320 square feet, with each unit boasting their own electric and HVAC systems. Leases for small containers at the property run $900 a month, while the larger spaces are leased for $1,200/month.
The AC Container Park received a $2.5 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority through their Activation, Revitalization and Transformation Program. The development has invested a total of about $6 million into the neighborhood.
The opening of the park is planned for the fall, although an official date has yet to be announced. The development can be followed on Instagram at the handle @ac_containerpark for further updates.
