New Orleans Gives Green Light To Trump

"Clearing its last regulatory hurdle, plans for the 70-story Trump International Hotel & Tower on Poydras Street won unanimous approval Thursday from the New Orleans City Council.

The 1.6 million-square-foot tower, estimated to cost about $400 million, would fill most of the largely vacant block bounded by Poydras, Camp, Natchez and Magazine streets. It would be 716 feet high, plus a 126-foot spire, and would contain 734 luxury condominium and hotel units and a 715-space garage.

Florida developer Cliff Mowe said he hopes to break ground this summer on what would be Louisiana's tallest building. Construction is expected to take 28 months, putting completion in late 2009."

While the project was not opposed, during earlier hearings, residents protested rising rents in the city, and called for more affordable housing construction.