Major Riverfront Redevelopment Projects Announced in New Orleans

Mayor Landrieu just announced some huge riverfront development projects coming to New Orleans. This announcement happened earlier today and will provide plenty of new things for residents to be excited about.

The announcements were expected today as a series of “major riverfront development projects.” The mayor announced the projects from the Moonwalk at 10:30 am, which is found across from Jackson Square. It was also telecast online and on Facebook.

Before the announcement was made, the mayor’s office had stated it would involve many “landmark projects” and these projects would help the economy grow for the Riverfront area. This announcement came after a deal was made between the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, the Port of New Orleans and the city.

The Port recently made a deal to take over the riverfront rail line in exchange for some of the downriver wharves, which went to the city. Riverfront property is found between Woldenburg Park and Crescent Park in the French Quarter area.

The Redevelopment Projects

Mayor Landrieu announced several projects that will take place across the riverfront including:

•          Renovations for Spanish Plaza – Estimated Cost $7.5 million
•          Canal Street Ferry Terminal – Estimated Cost $37 million
•          World Trade Center Redevelopment – Expected to open in 2020 and total estimated cost is $400 million
•          Moonwalk Park – Estimated Cost $3 million
•          Ferry Pedestrian Bridge – Estimated Cost $7.3 million
•          Crescent Park – Estimated Cost $31.2 million
•          Woldenberg Riverfront Park – Estimated Cost $6 million
•          Esplanade and Governor Nicholls Street Wharves Conversion – Estimated Cost $15 million

The World Trade Center will include rooftop attractions, condos and a renovation of the Four Seasons Hotel. In addition, the Ferry Terminal will get two new vessels and become a state-of-the-art terminal.

All of the renovation efforts will be done with energy-efficiency in mind. The goal of the project is to help reduce global warming and use LED lighting upgrades, stormwater management features and enhances tree canopies.

Some of the expected details of the projects include:

•          Spanish Plaza – New paving, trees, plants, lighting, seating and a fountain.
•          Four Seasons – Two-story rooftop cupola, public observation deck, interactive exhibits, renovations of the 401 hotel rooms and 65 luxury condos.
•          Canal Street Ferry Terminal – New terminal building with connections to the Audubon Aquarium and Canal Street Warf.
•          Ferry Pedestrian Bridge – New pedestrian bridge connecting the new bust terminal and riverfront streetcar with the Audubon Aquarium.
•          Woldenberg Riverfront Park – Wharf repairs, plaza repairs, landscaping, sculpture restoration, new palm trees, new splash pad and more.
•          Moonwalk Park – Additional trees, native plans, better walking surface, better connections from the city to the river, new lighting and more.
•          Esplanade and Governor Nicolls Wharves – New three-mile public access from Crescent Park to Spanish Plaza, new public park space, and other enhancements
•          Crescent Park – new park space, a network of paths, a dog run, benches, picnic areas, gardens and more.

About the Riverfront

The New Orleans riverfront is one of the best places to view the city’s skyline. It’s also a great place to enjoy views of the Mississippi and Algiers Rivers. Residents and visitors enjoy this area of the city and it will soon become even better.

The city is on a path to reconnect to the Mississippi River through the revitalization projects for the riverfront. This will help to put New Orleans in the same class as other major cities reconnecting to waterfronts by enhancing the natural environment, providing recreational space and improving the quality of life for those living in the area.