Five potential developers have been picked by Morial Convention Center to be evaluated and reviewed for the top spot of master developer of the Center's proposed 20-acre entertainment district.
The Convention Center is looking to develop the riverfront acreage as part of a multibillion dollar expansion plan which will compliment the proposed 1,200 room Omni Hotel to be built on site.
The development is seen as the way forward to stay competitive with other U.S. cities vying for major conventions and the flood of dollars they bring.
According to the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate the five top choices are: The Domain Companies; Provident Realty Advisors, McDonnel Construction Services and Provident Resources Group; River Park Neighborhood Investors; Woodward, Leventhal, and Carpenter & Company; and Atomic Entertainment.
Convention Center President Michael Sawaya has said the open space represents some of the last undeveloped urban real estate in New Orleans. He also stated the development will be one of the most important and transformative developments in New Orleans and Louisiana in decades.
All five companies will be interview and evaluated. The final two will be announced November 26th. The two will have until January 17th to submit full proposals.