What's next for New Orleans' riverfront overhaul
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Audubon's plan includes an elevated walkway and grassy lawns along the Mississippi River. Rendering: Courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute
Two major riverfront projects in New Orleans are in flux, according to The Times-Picayune.
Why it matters: The city has spent the past decade trying to revitalize the downtown riverfront — with mixed results.
The big picture: The River District's future is uncertain after negotiations broke down last month between the developer and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
- The two sides disagree on the project's scale and pace, writes Anthony McAuley for The Times-Picayune.
- The project is already years behind schedule, but developer Louis Lauricella in a statement says his group remains committed to the plan.
Zoom in: Shell's new Gulf headquarters are under construction, and work could start next year on the $590 million Omni Hotel if the City Council approves the new design, McAuley writes.
- State lawmakers also partially funded the Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience museum, but developers need more before construction can start, Verite reports.
- Officials also hope to build a Louisiana Civil Rights Museum in the district, but funding remains a problem.
Yes, but: Topgolf pulled out earlier this year. Councilmember Lesli Harris previously told Axios she's working on another project there but declined to elaborate.
- Construction hasn't begun on the heavily subsidized affordable housing project.
Downriver, Audubon Nature Institute is rethinking the next phase of its Riverfront for All project, writes Stephanie Riegel for The Times-Picayune.
- Audubon is looking at a "whole new concept" for the Esplanade Avenue wharf, Audubon CEO and president Michael Sawaya told Riegel.
- It includes a concession stand, but he didn't detail other changes.
- The first phase — the Gov. Nicholls wharf — is expected to open in time for French Quarter Fest 2026, Riegel writes. Officials previously hoped it would be ready for Super Bowl LIX.
Catch up quick: Audubon has been working on the project for about 10 years. Initial proposals included a Ferris wheel and live event spaces.
- The latest incarnation promotes it as the longest contiguous riverfront park in the country, connecting Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park.
- Plans also call for open-air gathering spaces, a multi-use path, playground and an elevated walkway.
- The project's cost has skyrocketed from $15 million to at least $60 million, Riegel reports.
Go deeper: Riverfront for All renderings