AC`s Ocean Liner-Shaped Mall Closing

The Shops on Ocean One, a mall built to resemble an ocean liner, will close its doors this year for a two-year renovation project.

The 100-store mall will be closed by year's end and made over as a retail, dining and entertainment venue. It will reopen in 2004, according to Park Place Entertainment Corp.

"We've always said we plan to redevelop the Ocean One pier," said Park Place spokesman Robert Stewart. "This is the beginning of the process. We think we've got an exciting future for the Ocean One pier. We'll be talking more about what that future is as we get farther into the project."

Tenants were notified about the impending closing in a letter this week, he said. All but three were operating on month-to-month leases, so the announcement should not have come as a surprise, Stewart said.

Park Place is engaged in "amicable negotiations" with the others, whom Stewart would not name.

Built in 1983, the 900-foot long structure juts out from the Boardwalk and into the ocean, occupying the site of the former Million Dollar Pier.

Owned by Park Place Entertainment and managed by Caesars Atlantic City Hotel Casino, the three-story mall sells apparel, jewelry, candy and gifts.

"I'm not surprised," said merchant Mike Hamideh, 37, owner of The Flag Shop Co., which sells flag memorabilia. "We were expecting it, but it still hits you here," he said, touching his fist to his chest. "For seven years, we've heard rumors. `The mall's going to close this year.' For seven years, it's been neglected. Nothing added, no brand name stores."

Another merchant, who asked not to be named, said he was chagrined to hear the news.

"I do a phenomenal business here, and I've been here for 12 years. Until I get the letter, it's just gossip to me."

One shopper was disappointed to hear about the impending closing.

"I'll miss it, sure," said gambler Susan Miller, 52, taking a break from the slots at Caesars Atlantic City, across the Boardwalk. "When I start losing, I come over here and look around and do a little shopping. I don't know what I'll do now. Find somewhere to sit, I guess."

At one point, Caesars' parent company had big plans for the site, including a $250 million project to add 250 hotel rooms, an Imax theater and an animatronic 120-foot statue of King Poseidon.

But the company was later sold and the renovation was shelved.

Five years ago, the city passed an ordinance clearing the way for casinos to expand onto the city's piers. But neither Steel Pier, Steeplechase Pier, Schiff's Central Pier nor Ocean One have been renovated as casinos, for various reasons.

Park Place does not plan any casino games for the pier, Stewart said.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP