The former Six Flags theme park in New Orleans, which closed down in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, is finally being demolished. The park, which opened in 2000 as Jazzland Theme Park before going bankrupt, was taken over by Six Flags before being devastated by the hurricane in 2005. The park never reopened and Six Flags eventually went bankrupt, leading to the property being taken over by the Industrial Development Board of the City of New Orleans. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority now holds ownership of the site.
Smoot Construction, a company based in New Orleans, has been tasked with leading the demolition project at the former theme park site. Developer Troy Henry expressed his excitement about the progress of the demolition, stating that it is a positive development for the area. Henry, who resides in New Orleans East, sees the demolition as a step towards revitalizing the space and creating new opportunities for development. The project has now commenced the dismantling of the site’s unsalvageable structures.
Plans for the future use of the land are already underway through a partnership called Bayou Phoenix. The proposed developments for the land include a warehouse and distribution center, an educational facility operated by a local nonprofit called STEM NOLA, a water park, hotel, esports arena, and a movie studio. Bayou Phoenix has already secured an agreement with one of the proposed core projects’ anchor tenants, with ongoing discussions for the remaining two anchor projects. Developers are optimistic that these talks will be concluded by the end of the year, with updates on the progress of the project set to be revealed on November 12.
The demolition of the former Six Flags theme park marks a significant moment in the redevelopment of the eastern New Orleans site. The removal of the decaying structures and rides that have stood as a symbol of Hurricane Katrina’s impact will pave the way for new possibilities and economic growth in the area. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority’s ownership of the site and the collaboration with Bayou Phoenix demonstrate a commitment to transforming the space into a vibrant and diverse mixed-use development that will benefit the local community and economy.
The revitalization of the former theme park site is seen as a positive step towards the overall recovery and rebuilding efforts in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. The diverse range of proposed developments, including entertainment, education, and hospitality facilities, reflect a vision for a multifaceted and dynamic community space. The involvement of local nonprofits and businesses in the project signals a focus on community engagement and sustainable growth that considers the needs and interests of the residents of New Orleans East. The upcoming unveiling of updates on the project on November 12 is anticipated to provide further insight into the future transformation of the site.
The new plans for the former Six Flags theme park site represent a renewed sense of hope and progress for the eastern New Orleans community. The collaboration between developers, local organizations, and potential tenants demonstrates a shared vision for revitalizing the space and creating opportunities for economic development and job growth. As the demolition progresses and discussions with anchor tenants continue, the future of the site appears bright with the promise of a vibrant and diverse mixed-use development that will contribute to the ongoing recovery and renewal of New Orleans.
