Demolition begins at old Six Flags site in New Orleans
By Carlie Kollath Wells
The decrepit rides at the old Six Flags site are coming down soon, developer Troy Henry tells Axios.
Why it matters: The theme park has been abandoned since it flooded during Hurricane Katrina 19 years ago.
The big picture: Bayou Phoenix, the development company for the project, is hosting a Nov. 12 event so elected officials and others can "watch as the demolition phase begins," the invitation says.
- Henry says New Orleans-based Smoot Construction has already begun demolition.
- The developers say they'll provide updates about the timeline at the November event.
The intrigue: Several redevelopment plans have been proposed over the years, but nothing has stuck.
- The abandoned park, however, is a popular destination for film productions.
Catch up quick: Bayou Phoenix plans to transform the overgrown site in New Orleans East into a bustling, $500 million complex with youth sports fields, hotels, shops, a movie studio and a waterpark.
- The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority approved the master plan last year and signed a lease with Bayou Phoenix for the 227-acre site.
- The developers are seeking about $100 million in government funding for infrastructure, Henry says. Other pieces will be self-financed, he said.
