Is Atlantic City Primed for Another Comeback?

"Say this about A.C.: The place never stops trying to be reborn, rebranded, and new again," according to an article by Kevin Riordan. "Rather like Madonna, whose 'Rebel Heart' tour arrives at Boardwalk Hall on Oct. 3, the city is a relentless reinvention project in progress." 

As recently as September 2014, Planetizen was sharing news about the dire economic straits of the city after three casinos had closed in just a few weeks. Now, according to Riordan's article, optimism has returned to the city, as evidenced with Riordan's interviews of multiple residents around the city and the news about the fate of some of those defunct casinos and the other entertainment options around town.

Riordan finds an example of the latest rebirth of Atlantic City in Bart Blatstein's plans to transform the Pier Shops at Caesar's into "an entertainment and shopping extravaganza" called the Playground. Riordan also expresses optimism about the potential of the new owner of Revel—one of the famous casinos what closed last year—Glenn Straub. Although the casino won't reopen this year, according to Straub, he described plans to turn the casino into a family-friendly destination when he purchased the casino in January 2015.