Dive Brief:
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority has selected River District Neighborhood Investors LLC as its partner in the development of a $1 billion mixed-use project on 39 acres of land next to the existing convention center.
River District's master plan includes new dining, entertainment, retail, hotel and housing options, as well as experiential entertainment offerings like rock climbing. The project will also include a 750,000-square-foot corporate campus geared toward attracting tech companies interested in relocating to New Orleans, River District said in its proposal.
The River District project represents a shift in the authority's original plan to use the 39 acres for an expansion of the convention center. However, subsequent studies about what would draw more visitors, conventions and trade shows to the city revealed that a live/work/play neighborhood would be more compelling. The authority is making improvements to the convention center as well.