Carnegie Center Atlantic City.
ATLANTIC CITY – Stockton University has formally returned ownership of the Carnegie Center to the City of Atlantic City.
The historic Carnegie Library, built in 1904, served as the city’s library until the library moved to a more modern facility in 1985. The Casino Reinvestment and Development Authority acquired the then abandoned building in the 1990s and spent several million dollars to restore it.
The CRDA conveyed ownership of the property to Stockton in 2009 and the university used the building for various academic programs and events in the city. When the new Stockton Atlantic City campus opened in fall 2018, the university began moving those programs to the new Academic Center.
The terms of the deed conveying the property to Stockton contain restrictions on the use of the property, requiring it be used for specific business related academic curricula or other approved uses. During COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Stockton suspended plans to reopen the site. Over the last year, the university reviewed facility needs in Atlantic City and determined it would be unable to use Carnegie Center for the restricted uses. Therefore, in accordance with the terms of the deed, ownership of the property has reverted to the City of Atlantic City.
Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said reverting ownership back to the city will provide new opportunities for the city’s residents and ensure the historic building remains in active use for their benefit.
“Our understanding is that the Carnegie Center will be used to provide academic and other support services for at risk teenagers and young adults in Atlantic City. We applaud those efforts and look forward to those students becoming future Ospreys here at Stockton,” Kesselman said.
