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Esplanade Mall Redevelopment: A Stalled Vision

After more than two years since new ownership took the reins of the Esplanade Mall, efforts to redevelop the area have stagnated. On a recent Friday, the Kenner City Council unanimously denied a request from the current owners to permit them to sell the property in smaller parcels. The council is holding out hope that the entire property can eventually become a valuable asset for the community once again.

Hope for Major Development

Jerry Bologna, the Executive Director of the Jefferson Economic Development Commission, voiced optimism during the meeting regarding the potential for significant development if the property were sold as a single entity. He noted that major developers, specifically mentioning the low-cost Swedish furniture giant IKEA, have expressed interest in the mall property. The ability to sell the property as a whole would not only facilitate redevelopment but possibly attract other lifestyle and sports facilities that could reinvigorate the area.

Council’s Commitment to Solutions

"We are desperately fighting for solutions," council member Arita Bohannan proclaimed, reflecting the urgency surrounding the situation. On that day, the council also rejected another request from the mall owners, Windfall USA and Pacifica Square, that involved plans to build a new hotel on a portion of the parking lot. This decision highlighted the council’s overall dissatisfaction with the owners, especially regarding grievances such as an alleged $320,000 in delinquent property taxes. The members expressed deep skepticism about the owner’s earlier redevelopment plan introduced in 2023, which aimed to transform the area into a lifestyle center featuring retailers, dining options, and up to 800 apartment units.

The Need for Family-Friendly Development

Council member George Branigan shared a heartfelt plea: "We want this developed for families to come to Kenner, to live in Kenner." He emphasized the importance of attracting younger families back to the area, which calls for thoughtful redevelopment initiatives that cater to family needs. Unfortunately, despite the potential for growth, the mall has remained shuttered since Windfall USA and Pacifica Square acquired it for $10 million in 2023, showing that the path forward remains rocky.

Challenges with Ownership Structure

The current owners had sought to subdivide the property so they could sell parts of the southeast parking lot for hotel development. However, the council opposed this request on the grounds that it would create additional complexities in ownership. Multiple locations, such as Dillard’s, Target, and a nearby movie theater, already have separate ownerships apart from the indoor mall, complicating any potential unified redevelopment efforts.

Real estate attorney Stephen Dwyer, representing the owners, expressed surprise at the council’s decision to deny the request, especially since they believed they had fulfilled all city resubdivision requirements and received preliminary approval from the planning commission. He noted that ongoing severe vandalism, including the theft of copper wiring and essential electrical equipment, has further delayed redevelopment efforts. The owners are currently pursuing an insurance claim to cover the necessary repairs.

Financial Implications for the City

Council member Branigan highlighted the significant financial implications of the mall’s closure, affirming that the city loses out on major sales tax revenue every day the building remains closed. He pointed out that sales taxes constitute a staggering 70% of the city’s general fund, indicating that revitalization of the property is not just a local concern but one that impacts the city’s financial health.

In terms of the delinquent property taxes, attorney Dwyer clarified that the owners have recently received their tax bill for 2023 and 2024, amounting to $130,000, which they plan to settle shortly. The remaining $190,000 stems from an unpaid tax bill dating back to 1992 from prior owners, which Kenner officials stated the current owners inherited with the property. Dwyer indicated they are actively disputing this debt.

The Vision for a Master Plan

Council member Bohannan has ambitious plans, revealing that she intends to use her district discretionary funds to conduct a $500,000 study for a master plan focused on the best use of The Esplanade and Laketown areas. This plan could pave the way for the parish to purchase the entire mall property from its various owners, addressing its existing physical and financial issues and setting the stage for consolidating ownership and selling it to a single developer. If executed, this approach could potentially yield the largest new development opportunity on the east bank.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

In navigating these complicated negotiations and legal hurdles, an AI legalese decoder can be invaluable. The platform can help both the city council and the property owners in understanding complex legal documentation surrounding property agreements, tax obligations, and redevelopment proposals. By translating convoluted legal terms into straightforward language, stakeholders can make informed decisions and streamline discussions, ultimately fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encourages civic development and revitalization efforts for the Esplanade Mall.

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