Construction on the $ 100 million Hamilton Mall began in November 1985 by Kravco Company ( now Kravco Company LLC ) and JCP Realty Inc. , the development arm of JCPenney , just south of the Atlantic City Racetrack . The mall , which was built on a tract that were former entrance roads and overflow parking for the race course , eventually opened in September 1987 . The Macy 's store opened shortly after , marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Miss America 1987 , Kellye Cash , and television personality Robin Leach . Mall entitlements included provisions for four department stores , one of which was built . The Macy 's was originally supposed to be a Bamberger 's until Macy 's renamed the stores in 1986 . JCPenney and Sears moved from the nearby Shore Mall
Miss America 1987
Miss America 1987
Hamilton Mall