Stockton returns ownership of Carnegie Center to AC

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Stockton University has formally returned ownership of the Carnegie Center, which served as the city’s library from 1904 to 1985, to the City of Atlantic City, the university announced April 7.

The building was acquired and restored by the Casino Reinvestment and Development Authority in the 1990s. The CRDA conveyed ownership of the property to Stockton in 2009, and the building was then home to some of the university’s academic programs.

When the new Stockton Atlantic City campus opened in 2018, Stockton began moving those programs to the new academic center.

Throughout the last year, Stockton reviewed facility needs in Atlantic City and determined it would be unable to use Carnegie Center, as the deed conveying ownership to Stockton contained restrictions on its usage. 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 turning the 118-year-old building back to the city will provide opportunities for local residents.

“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.