The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority is moving forward with its $557-million, five-year capital improvement plan. Approved in 2018, the plan includes internal and external upgrades to Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, a new 7.5-acre pedestrian park and 1,200-room headquarters hotel, and funding to ready an adjacent piece of land for a mixed-use development.

After soliciting responses in late 2019 from qualified master developers to create a comprehensive development plan and strategy for a mixed-use project on the 39-acre parcel, the Authority short-listed five proposals for a $700 million development that will include retail shops, restaurants and several entertainment, culture and art venues. 

In their RFPs, the development teams were challenged to design a property that will enliven the neighborhood and serve as an economic driver for the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana. It would also need to have a compelling value proposition and be able to attract visitors and businesses to the site.

After the final RFP submissions were received on March 5, the following three development teams were selected to respond to a request for proposals:

• Domain Companies
• RDNI
• WLC Muse

The submissions from these firms have been posted publicly on the Authority’s website. 

“We are extremely gratified by the interest shown by five well-regarded and highly-experienced development teams, and believe the three finalists demonstrate the kind of vision, experience and capabilities necessary to bring this transformative project to life,” said Walt Leger III, Authority chairman.

He continued, “We are currently focused on our role in serving the community in contributing to our recovery from the current health and corresponding economic crisis. When the Authority Board of Commissioners is able to resume regular meetings, we will take a fresh look at the development proposals, and give a meaningful opportunity for public input.”

In early April, the ENMCC’s exhibit space was transformed into a 1,800-bed medical monitoring station for non-acute care COVID-19 patients.

Learn more about the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center District Development project here.

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