Ready, Set, Action. By the end of 2026, e. ross studios Jazzland is expected to become the first operational tenant anchoring the new Bayou Phoenix development, leading the long-awaited return of commerce to the former 227-acre Six Flags and Jazzland site in New Orleans East.

In March 2025, Emmy Award–winning composer Elvin Ross and his company, E. Ross Studios, signed an agreement with Bayou Phoenix LLC – a private development partnership between Henry Consulting LLC and TKTMJ Inc. – to operate a movie and production studio on 25 acres within the Bayou Phoenix development. Designed as a premier destination for content creators, studio executives, production companies, and regional residents, the studio will integrate music, media, technology, creativity, and artistry to produce film and television content.

Following on-site demolition in 2025 of the former rides and amusement park equipment, the project transitioned into the facility condition assessment phase in early 2026. Once those assessments are finalized, construction of the movie and production studios is expected to begin later this year. “We are excited about our progress,” said Henry. “This is a critical year for us to see the first steps of our vision finally coming into place.”

Henry said they are targeting the development to be completed in phases, with the movie and production studios by the end of 2026; the sports complex by mid-2028; and the hotel, water park, retail and dining options completed by the end of 2028. Henry said he aims to have agreements in place by the end of the first or second quarter with operators for the youth sports complex and fields, the hotel, the indoor water park, and Clear Water Beach.

“That’s our goal – to finalize our operators and tenant partners this year. The timing of those signed agreements will depend on the results of the facility condition assessment,” Henry said. “Once that process is complete, we can work closely with each operator to determine the exact acreage and placements within the development.”

Plans call for a 185,000-square-foot indoor sports complex with eight NBA travel hardwood courts, 16 volleyball courts, one championship arena court with seating, 12,000 square feet of retail, 15,000 square feet of performance training, and restaurant-quality food and beverage.

The outdoor sports fields will consist of 30 acres of next generation, synthetic turf fields, including FIFA size soccer fields, youth tournament regulation little league baseball fields, NCAA softball fields, and fields that accommodate lacrosse, football, and rugby. All fields will be illuminated with professional level lights. There will be four acres of shaded structures, permanent structures for food service and restrooms, and a parking lot for more than 3,000 vehicles.

Plans for the indoor water park include a family wave pool, action river, interactive play areas, and a slide complex. The development also features an eight-acre family beach with waterfront dining and retail, a clubhouse, amphitheater, and event spaces such as a wedding peninsula and cocktail lawn. Additional elements of the early plans include an entertainment center, green-space courtyards, a central courtyard with an overpass walkway, and 100,000 square feet of dining and retail spanning food and beverage, apparel, sporting goods, and general merchandise.

The 227 acres has been unoccupied since 2005 when Six Flags closed for Katrina and never reopened after floodwater damaged the property. Before Six Flags, Jazzland opened in 2000, before filing for bankruptcy in 2002, and being bought by Six Flags.

In 2009, the City of New Orleans terminated its lease with Six Flags, Inc. The City’s Industrial Development Board (IDB) took title to the property while the City pursued development opportunities. In 2021, the City chose Bayou Phoenix LLC as the developer; NORA took the title of the property from IDB and executed the development agreement/lease with Bayou Phoenix.

In 2023, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) executed a development agreement and draft lease with Bayou Phoenix LLC to redevelop the 227 acres located near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 510. In January 2025, Bayou Phoenix held a “Pathway to Progress” demolition event to invite team members and elected city officials to witness a milestone in the redevelopment. The demolition included the dismantling of more than 60 structures, such as the towering Mega Zeph roller coaster that was seen from the interstate.

“New Orleans East deserves a development that will support local commerce, generate permanent, high-paying jobs, and strengthen the community,” said Henry. “We feel very good about how the project is converging, and we are excited to move forward and make some big announcements this year.”

Read the full article on Neworleanscitybusiness.com.