Mayor Landrieu Announces Historic Redevelopment Projects Opening Access to Riverfront

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Office of the Mayor Press Releases & Media Advisories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 27, 2017


Contact: Erin Burns

For Media Inquiries Only
communications@nola.gov
(504) 658-4945

Mayor Landrieu Announces Historic Redevelopment Projects Opening Access to Riverfront

                                                                                     

3.2 miles of contiguous space from Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park


NEW ORLEANS—Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined elected officials and community stakeholders to announce multiple historic riverfront redevelopment projects between Spanish Plaza and Crescent Park. Not only will these landmark projects further stimulate economic growth and redevelop the City’s riverfront, but will also provide contiguous public access from Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this spectacular 3.2-mile stretch and these projects will further optimize opportunities for planned activities along the riverfront.

 

The projects include:

  • Spanish Plaza - $7.5 million plaza renovation;
  • Four Seasons - $400 million Renovation of the World Trade Center;
  • Canal Street Ferry Terminal - $37 million state-of-the-art terminal;
  • Ferry Pedestrian Bridge - $7.3 million new pedestrian bridge;
  • Woldenberg Riverfront Park - $6 million park improvements;
  • Moonwalk Park - $3 million park renovation;
  • Esplanade and Governor Nicholls Street Wharves - $15 million conversion; and,
  • Crescent Park – $31.2 million.


 ”Through the hard work of every stakeholder involved, we are redeveloping the entire riverfront and creating a new way to experience New Orleans,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “New Orleans will now be home to one of the largest contiguous riverfront parks in the U.S. which is a huge win for every resident and visitor of our city. This important step builds on the legacy of other great City leaders that opened up the riverfront and will spur economic development.”

 

New Orleans riverfront offers unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, Algiers and the Mississippi River, creating an environment for residents and visitors alike to interact and enjoy various vantage points of New Orleans and recreational space. By reconnecting to the Mississippi River, New Orleans joins the growing list of world-class cities that are exploring opportunities to restore and enhance the natural environment while simultaneously improving residents’ quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors.

 

As part of the City’s commitment to resilience and sustainability, these riverfront enhancements contain features to reduce energy usage and reduce the effects of global warming. Some of the features include LED lighting upgrades, enhanced tree canopies and storm water management features. This will result in a reduction of the heat island effect and reduction of light pollution.

 

District C Councilmember Nadine Ramsey said, “The riverfront redevelopment will not only link commercial areas along the Mississippi with recreational space, it will also beautify a long neglected stretch of the riverfront with a new park. The coming Four Seasons, the renovation of Spanish Plaza, and the new ferry terminal and walkover are all assets to the city and signs of the economic boom we are currently experiencing. Our citizens will reap the benefit of new jobs and an enhanced quality of life. The proposed riverfront redevelopment will be a jewel in the crown of New Orleans.”

 

Councilmember-at-Large Jason Williams said, “As New Orleans redevelops one of its most valuable and beautiful natural resources, it is crucial that we prioritize connectivity along the entire riverfront. This must be a space open and accessible to all residents for a variety of uses. Thank you to our public and private partners who have made these dream projects a real possibility.” 

 

Councilmember-at-Large Stacy Head said, “The transfer of the Public Belt to the Port of New Orleans should provide the public with confidence that the Public Belt operations will be in the best interest of the city and not any individual entity, will allow for responsible growth of the Port as one of our region’s most important economic assets, and will allow New Orleanians and visitors to gain access to and use the riverfront in ways that have never been realized before.”

 

District D Councilmember Jared Brossett said, “New Orleans was established because of its relationship with the river, so this is a major milestone in reconnecting our residents with the lifeblood of the city.  Following the success of Crescent Park, alongside similar stories in San Francisco and Boston, we are continuing a waterfront redevelopment being seen around the country. By welcoming our residents and guests to the riverfront, we will gain access to and appreciation of one of the City’s greatest assets.”

 

Sharonda Williams, Regional Transit Authority Board President said, “RTA is excited to be a part of the significant upgrade to the riverfront. Along with residents, over 10 million visitors visit new Orleans every year and I strongly believe this new terminal will proudly serve as the beacon to the gateway of our great City.”

 

Ron Forman, President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute said, “Audubon is honored to work with the City, New Orleans Public Belt, the Port of New Orleans and the hospitality coalition on the historic Tricentennial Riverfront Park, creating three miles of open riverfront green space for our community. Joined by Spanish Plaza, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the Moonwalk, and Crescent Park, the promenade will serve as the ‘front porch’ of the city of New Orleans. Connecting these treasured parks will serve as a valuable community asset for families and visitors, and affirms Audubon’s mission of conservation, education and recreation.”

 

Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans said, "The Port celebrates our partnership with the City that allows residents and visitors to see for themselves what we at the Port experience every day – the magic of a working river in action. The benefits extend beyond the views. The Port's stewardship of the New Orleans Public Belt positions both entities to increase economic impact throughout the region."

 

Kathleen Turner, Executive Director of the French Market Corporation said, “The French Market Corporation is excited to partner with the City of New Orleans and be a part of redeveloping the City’s Riverfront. This work allows greater access to every resident and visitor in New Orleans.”

 

Darryl Berger, Founder and Chairman of the Berger Company said, “This transaction has been described as bold, visionary, transformative, and even historic. All of that applies as the result is a classic win-win-win for the City, Dock Board, and all citizens and visitors to this city. “

 

Riverfront Redevelopment Projects:

 

Spanish Plaza


Spanish Plaza