The Benson portfolio is growing.
"Gayle Benson announced today that she has completed the acquisition of 909 Poydras Street, also known as BankPlus Tower, a prominent 36-story, Class A office tower located in the heart of Downtown New Orleans," Benson's Corporate Communications Senior Manager Sam Shannon said in a news release.
He said the building is approximately 545,000-square-feet, and it is currently 79% leased.
Benson said that she is investing in the future of New Orleans and the city’s downtown business district.
“909 Poydras is a top-of-the-market Class A office building that has consistently demonstrated its quality and value in the New Orleans market,” said Benson. “It has exceptional bricks and mortar, a great rent roll and a strong history of occupancy. We want to build on that success, maintain the building at the highest level and make it even better.”
The structure first opened 33 years ago.
“My commitment to New Orleans, our state and our region has never been about one building or one project,” Benson said. “It is about our city and continuing to invest in its future. Whether it is acquiring buildings and bringing them back into commerce, helping bring new businesses to New Orleans or hosting major sporting events, it all comes back to the same thing: commitment and investment.”
Benson also owns the Benson Tower and adjacent property next to the Superdome.
The news release details, "In 2009, Benson acquired the vacant, Hurricane Katrina-damaged New Orleans Centre development, including Dominion Tower, the 1-million-square-foot New Orleans Centre Mall and a 2,000-space parking garage. Under Benson’s ownership, the property was transformed into a major component of the city’s Sports and Entertainment District. Dominion Tower was renovated and became Benson Tower, a 540,000-square-foot office building, while the former Lord & Taylor location became the 115,000-square-foot Benson Tower Annex. Both Benson Tower and the Benson Tower Annex are 100% leased."
Where the mall stood until Katrina is now Champions Square.
Benson also purchased property across the street from the Superdome.
She used it to build the Mercedes-Benz Van Center of New Orleans in 2022.
Additionally, she owns the 1,100-room Hyatt Regency New Orleans, which abuts Champions Square.
Last year Benson announced she had acquired 1515 Poydras Street. It is also a Class A office tower across from Benson Tower.
“I have always believed that you have to invest in the places you live and work,” Benson said. “New Orleans has tremendous assets, tremendous people and tremendous potential. We need to continue creating reasons for businesses, families, visitors and investors to choose New Orleans. I am proud to continue investing in our city, our state and our region, and I remain very optimistic about what we can accomplish together.”
Benson also owns a number of other businesses included car dealerships.
Forbes Magazine recently estimated 79-year-old Benson's net worth at $7.9 billion, ranked as the 461st richest person in the world.
In 1025, the publication named her at the #1 Most Powerful Woman in Sports.
