Cordish Will Walk The 310,000-SF Walk

The numbers that Cordish has embraced, however, is the fact that 37 million visit this seaside gaming mecca every year, generating more than $4.5 billion in gambling revenue. The proposed site for the multi-block project is near the entrance to Atlantic City and not far from the new $254 million convention center and just off the Atlantic City Expressway.

"Our objective from the beginning has been to enhance Atlantic City and build a stronger destination," according to David Cordish, chairman of the company bearing his name. "With the national retail tenants we've already signed, we're confident that we're on our way to meeting that goal."

Cordish also likes the fact that the nearest outlet mall competition is Franklin Mills in Philadelphia and Six Flags in Jackson, NJ, both more than 60 miles away, and neither as fashion oriented as The Walk hopes to be. The list of tenants already committed is impressive – Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Levi's, Timberland, Fossil, Pacific Sunwear, Geoffrey Beene, Guess, Van Heusen, G.H. Bass, Mikasa, Izod, Carter's, Wilson's House of Leather, Hugh Puppies, Liz Claiborne, Bath and Body Works, Maidenform, OskKosh B'Gosh, Etienne Aigner, K.B. Toys and Candies.

Part of the overall plan for The Walk is to provide a link of sorts between the boardwalk, casinos and the convention center. The project will cover the city blocks encompassing Atlantic, Arctic and Michigan avenues.

"We're pleased with the development plans," according to James B. Kennedy, executive director of CRDA. "Cordish has the track record and contacts to bring these tenants to Atlantic City. The project is a major part of our long-term plan to compete as a major resort and gaming destination."

Cordish has been involved in a number of entertainment and outlet-oriented retail centers, including The Power Plant in Baltimore, Bayou Place in Houston, Charleston Place in South Carolina and Trolley Square in Salt Lake City. Company officials estimate that The Walk will create 1,200 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs, and contribute upwards of $35 million a year to the State and City.