Donald Trump’s Former Atlantic City Casino Hotel Hits the Market Again

The search for the next premier Atlantic City casino destination has intensified following the news that the Trump Plaza Casino Hotel is officially for sale. A notorious piece of Donald Trump’s business portfolio, this landmark has sat empty since 2014, leaving a significant void on the historic Boardwalk. Developed in the early 1980s with an investment of approximately $220 million, the former gambling hub was once celebrated for its upscale amenities and high-stakes energy, making it a prime candidate for redevelopment in the competitive gaming market.

Current Status of Trump Plaza

• Back on the market: The hotel is currently listed for sale by IEP AC Plaza, LLC, a subsidiary of Icahn Enterprises.
• Lack of an asking price: Surprisingly, no asking price has been disclosed for this property.
• Sizeable property: The site encompasses 10.7 acres, which includes the remaining hotel tower and a sizable parking garage with 2,658 spaces.

Adjacent to the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, the lot previously hosted Nathan’s Famous restaurant and the Rainforest Cafe. However, the structure containing these venues is severely dilapidated and may soon face condemnation.

Background on Trump Plaza’s Decline

Donald Trump initially launched the Trump Plaza in 1984, but it quickly faced challenges that led to a series of financial losses. Here are some key points regarding the casino’s history:

• Significant losses: Trump Entertainment Resorts (TER), the management company for Trump’s casinos, reported losses exceeding $1.1 billion during Trump’s tenure in Atlantic City.
• Bankruptcy struggles: In 2016, Carl Icahn acquired Trump Plaza when he bought out TER, but the casino had already been closed for over two years by that point.
• Closure and demolition: The original 39-story Trump Plaza structure was imploded in February 2021, marking a symbolic end to Trump’s casino ventures in the area.

Controversies Surrounding Trump and Epstein

Former Trump Plaza President Jack O’Donnell recently made headlines by claiming that he witnessed Trump interacting with Jeffrey Epstein on multiple occasions during their time in Atlantic City. This unveiling adds another layer of intrigue around the casino’s troubled history:

• Hazy connections: O’Donnell described Trump and Epstein attending events together and accused Trump of associating with Epstein, suggesting a close friendship.
• Trump’s rebuttal: Trump has vehemently denied these claims, branding O’Donnell as a “loser” and asserting that he did not associate with Epstein in the manner claimed.

As the Trump Plaza goes back on the market, it brings to light the legacy of one of Atlantic City’s most recognizable — and contentious — buildings. Will this property find a new direction under different ownership? Only time will tell.

Summary

With the Trump Plaza Casino Hotel officially listed for sale once again, this former staple of Atlantic City’s landscape raises questions about its future. The property, which has been empty for nearly a decade, carries with it a storied legacy filled with ups and downs. Be it its controversial history with Donald Trump or its current state of disrepair, the Trump Plaza remains a fascinating part of casino culture in New Jersey.