New Orleans Riverfront Redevelopment Approved

Plans to redevelop a section of the Mississippi Riverfront in New Orleans have been approved and construction could begin by the end of 2009.

2 minute read

January 16, 2009, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg


"The City Council recently approved the expenditure of $30 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for the public park, clearing the way for construction of the landmark project to begin before the end of the year."

"The first phase will transform the area between Esplanade Avenue and Mazant Street. Now a gritty industrial zone marred by burned-out cargo docks, the area is set to become verdant green space replete with bike paths, pavilions, two piers and even electricity-generating windmills. If everything goes according to plan, the park will open in 2011."

"The designs reveal transformations of several decrepit wharves that now block pedestrian access to the waterfront. The fire-ravaged Mandeville Street Wharf will be replaced by a covered pavilion that could be used for outdoor concerts or other events. A wharf at Gallier Street would be rebuilt as a pier, allowing pedestrians to walk on a deck over the river. A second pier is planned at the foot of Press Street. A pavilion planned for Piety Street will have a musical theme, with plaques embedded in the ground to give facts about famous New Orleans musicians."

"In a city that has been slow to build affordable housing and other infrastructure since the 2005 storm, some have questioned whether a riverfront promenade is a necessary endeavor. Dubbed Reinventing the Crescent, the development would have additional phases that would extend the riverfront park from the Industrial Canal to Jackson Avenue. The entire project is slated to be complete in 2018."

Friday, January 16, 2009 in New Orleans Times-Picayune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing