Borgata fire remains under investigation

ATLANTIC CITY - Fire officials and the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa today said they are continuing to investigate the cause and extent of a Sunday blaze at the casino's adjacent $400-million Water Club hotel, which is under construction.

"While we have been planning for an early 2008 opening, it is too soon to know what impact this will have on the development timeline, if any," the Borgata said in a statement.

The company said it was working with its construction team to assess the damage caused by the fire. "As soon as we have all of the information and fully understand how this may change the development timeline, we will make an announcement," the statement said.

The company said the fire caused no damage to the main casino and hotel.

The blaze began between 7:30 and 8 a.m., Sunday and could be seen up and down the outside of the 39-story building. It was contained before 10 a.m.

The 457-foot-tall tower, once it opens, will feature 800 rooms, a giant spa, five swimming pools, luxury lofts and upscale retail shops.

But reflective of the trend toward non-gaming attractions by the casinos here to lure tourists and fend off slots competition from Pennsylvania, there will be no place to gamble at the Water Club.

Harrah's Marina and the Trump Taj Mahal also have major hotels under construction that are slated to open next year.

Harrah's casino, located next door to the Borgata, will open a 961-room, 44-story hotel tower, Harrah's Waterfront Hotel, by early next year, while the Taj Mahal's $255-million tower on the Boardwalk will offer 786 rooms and is slated for a late summer 2008 opening.