by Kerstan Szczepanski, Exhibit City News
River District Neighborhood Investors to begin critical infrastructure; Groundbreaking ceremony expected in fourth quarter
The commissioners of the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority approved a measure authorizing River District Neighborhood Investors, LLC (RDNI) to begin the infrastructure work necessary to build a new mixed-use development adjacent to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
In October 2022, the Authority formally approved terms of the master development agreement, allowing RDNI to proceed as master developer for the neighborhood. Since then, RDNI partners have been hard at work surveying the land, conducting impact studies and assessing community needs and feedback.
Says Louis Lauricella, co-managing member of RDNI. “We are ready to begin construction on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to work, play and stay along the Mississippi River. The River District promises a ‘new’ New Orleans neighborhood – one that is sustainable and integrated with the surrounding area.”
The neighborhood, parts of which are slated to open January 2025, will feature entertainment, greenspaces, retail, offices and a range of residential options, including affordable housing and workforce housing. Shell’s Gulf of Mexico operations announced it will anchor the District’s commercial office space with the first Class-A office building to be constructed in the city since 1989. “This is an exciting announcement that further solidifies the long standing and successful relationship between Louisiana and Shell,” says Gov. John Bel Edwards.
“We are excited to finally hit the ground running on this exciting new neighborhood,” said Jerry Reyes, President of the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority. “This development is going to be foundational in positively changing the quality of life for people in our city, and we are ready to go.”
The River District is expected to generate $43 million of new annual net tax revenues, more than $1 billion of annual economic activity, a projected 9,000 construction jobs and nearly 6,000 projected permanent jobs for the entire development.
RDNI has made a commitment to build a total of 900 residential units, 450 of which will be affordable and workforce housing units in the development, allowing hospitality and entertainment industry employees and those in other industries to live near the places they work.
As part of the project, RDNI has pledged to engage at least 30% participation of small and emerging businesses (SEB) and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) in all facets of the project, including development, construction, design, professional services and goods/services.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony will take place later this year.
About the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority’s (Authority) exclusive mission is to finance, construct and operate facilities in order to attract and conduct conventions, trade shows and other events that support and expand the economy of both the State of Louisiana and New Orleans Region. Visit exhallnola.com
About River District Neighborhood Investors LLC (RDNI)
River District Neighborhood Investors is a diverse group of partners with deep local roots, all accomplished mixed-use and residential developers with local, regional, and national experience, unparalleled reputations, and strong financial results. Visit riverdistrictnola.com.
