Atlantic City breaks ground on Sheila Oliver Plaza at its City Hall

Atlantic City broke ground on the Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver Plaza — a courtyard at City Hall — earlier this week.

The plaza, in honor of the late lieutenant governor, will feature her name, which will be etched in the building above the main entrance, and will be placed on street signs throughout the courtyard. The project aims to be completed this fall.

The project incorporates environmentally responsible renewable energy concepts and enhanced security and safety features, such as improved lighting throughout the courtyard and the addition of lanterns on the walls of the buildings. A cover will be added above the walkway leading to the main entrance to City Hall. That area will also now be gated.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

Aesthetic and convenience improvements include the addition of fixed and built-in benches throughout the courtyard, a rain garden, a marble fountain, a pergola, the painting of existing concrete walls and the planting of beautiful trees, shrubs and grass.

The project also features a redesigned main parking lot and north parking lot.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said the honor was well-deserved.

“We wanted to find a way to pay tribute to Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who always fought the good fight for Atlantic City,” Small said. “This project will embody the spirit of Sheila Oliver. She always talked about retiring in Atlantic City, and now she will be forever retired in this great city, while employees and guests will be able to enjoy this beautiful space for years to come.”

Arthur W. Ponzio & Associates Inc. and SOSH Architects are the engineering firms behind the project. Weatherby Construction Corp. is the contractor.