Historic landmarks such as Absecon Lighthouse are finding themselves under a financial cloud in the current economy and looking for ways to bring in some donations. So, what’s the best way to raise a little interest? It’s obvious — throw a celebrity fashion show. OK, maybe it’s not that obvious on the surface, but Absecon Lighthouse has been throwing a charity fashion show for about four years now and will partner with The Walk for their latest show, a Happy Hour Celebrity Fashion Show, Friday (April 23), at the Atlantic City Country Club. “When news came out earlier this year about our financial woes,” says Jean Muchanic, executive director of the lighthouse, “a lot of people called us and asked how they could help. Well, this is the type of fund-raising event that really can help us. Just by buying a ticket, coming and having a good time, that really gives us a great boost.” And a good time is promised, especially considering that the fashions will be modeled by local celebs such as Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford, Michelle Dawn Mooney of NBC-40, Don Marandino of Harrah’s Entertainment, Barbara Altman of WOND 1400 and Kim Butler of Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk, Tickets are $30 and include fashions by The Walk, appetizers by Atlantic City Country Club, a silent auction, and cash bar. All proceeds benefit Absecon Lighthouse’s educational programs for children. Call 449-1360 to reserve your spot. — Mike Pritchard

The Baltimore-based Cordish Company is moving forward with two more phases of Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk, and a ceremonial groundbreaking (pictured left) took place Tuesday, Oct. 14, to commemorate it. In attendance were A.C. Mayor Lorenzo Langford and representatives of the Cordish Company, parent company of The Walk.
Phase 3 will be built in an area that is currently open space near the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway and bordered by Christopher Columbus Blvd., Fairmount, Mississippi and Arctic avenues. Construction of Phase 3 will cost about $15 million, of which $9 million will be financed through a loan from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. The project will include about 45,000 square feet of retail space and add 12 new stores to The Walk’s roughly 80 shops and restaurants that already exist. It is anticipated to create about 400 construction jobs while it is being built and an additional 400 permanent jobs once the Phase 3 shops are compete, which should be in late 2010.
The Walk’s Phase 4 will be called Atlantic City Live! and will include live entertainment venues such as nightclubs and comedy clubs. The CRDA also has a $30 million parking garage in the works for the corner of Fairmount and Mississippi avenues. The garage will include 1,200 parking spaces and should be completed in early 2011.