Atlantic City: Developer unveils $1 billion year-round entertainment project at Claridge and Sands properties

A New York developer plans to invest more than $1 billion in a sweeping redevelopment of the historic Claridge Hotel and the former Sands Casino Hotel site in Atlantic City, aiming to transform the oceanfront properties into a year-round hub for sports, entertainment and housing.

D-Wayne Prieto, CEO of Vivo HAUS, told The Press of Atlantic City this week that the project will include what he described as North America’s largest man-made outdoor ski slope, encircling a 20,000-seat stadium for minor league baseball, soccer, and concerts.

“We want to normalize the seasonality of Atlantic City,” Prieto said. “What’s important here is that we are about to create a synergy that enables people to do things all year round. We are going to be creating programming 365 days a year.”

The development plan spans two major sites and will also feature an 800-room hotel, 1,500 apartment units, a 30,000-square-foot esports center, a 40,000-square-foot spa and bathhouse, dozens of outdoor courts, a go-kart track, and new shops and restaurants. Seasonal attractions will include summer concerts and winter ice skating.

Prieto has signed purchase agreements for both properties but has not yet finalized the transactions. He plans to apply for financial assistance through New Jersey’s Aspire program, which supports large-scale projects in cities such as Atlantic City, and will seek approvals from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), which oversees land use in the city’s tourism district.

CRDA director of planning and development Lance Landgraf confirmed early discussions with Prieto, but said no formal applications have been submitted.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. welcomed the proposal. “I don’t like it, I love it,” Small said. “If this comes through, this will be a very big deal.”

The Claridge, once known for its “smaller is friendlier” marketing slogan, opened in 1929 and has hosted famous guests including Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone, and Frank Sinatra. Its 483 existing hotel rooms will remain, with casino space converted into restaurants and attractions. The former Sands Casino, demolished in 2007, once hosted top entertainers including Sinatra, Cher, and Robin Williams.

The project does not include a casino or any gambling components. Prieto estimated the Claridge portion of the development will cost at least $200 million, while the Sands site will require an investment of $800 million.