Key Takeaways:
- Bossier City officials are planning an entertainment district with a potential tax incentive to attract businesses
- The district would stretch from Chasing Aces to Live! Casino, encompassing casinos, the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, and the East Bank District
- The city is gathering data on property tax, sales tax, and liquor sales to determine the best approach for the district
- The city is also working on marketing efforts, including new exit ramp signs and a website redesign, to promote the district and the city as a whole
- Revitalization plans are underway at the Boardwalk, including a potential pivot away from retail and food and beverage towards entertainment venues
Introduction to the Entertainment District
The city of Bossier City is exploring plans to create an entertainment district, with the goal of attracting new businesses and stimulating economic growth. According to City Council President Chris Smith, the district would stretch from Chasing Aces to Live! Casino, encompassing all of the city’s casinos, as well as the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets and the East Bank District. The city is considering offering a tax incentive to attract businesses to the area, but the exact details of the incentive are still being worked out.
Gathering Data and Planning
Smith explained that the city is gathering data on property tax, sales tax, and liquor sales to determine the best approach for the district. This data will help the city understand the economic potential of the area and identify opportunities for growth. The city is also working with consultants to develop a marketing plan for the district, which will include new exit ramp signs and a website redesign. The goal is to promote the district and the city as a whole, and to attract visitors and businesses to the area.
Revitalization Plans for the Boardwalk
The city is also working on revitalization plans for the Boardwalk, which has struggled in recent years with declining tenants and revenue. The city has pressure-washed and re-striped the parking garage, and put up a new mural at the nearby police substation. The ownership group, led by Texas-based developer Todd Routh, is also exploring new ideas for the property, including a potential pivot away from retail and food and beverage towards entertainment venues. This shift is seen as a positive development by city officials, who believe that the Boardwalk has the potential to be a vibrant and thriving destination.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism, there are still challenges to be overcome. The city’s relationship with the Boardwalk’s ownership group has been contentious at times, with some officials and residents accusing Routh of not doing enough to stem the decline of the property. However, Smith said that he has seen an about-face from ownership in recent months, and is now excited about the potential for the district. The city is planning to make announcements about new tenants and developments in the coming months, and Smith believes that the district will be unrecognizable in a year’s time.
Marketing and Promotion
The city is working to promote the district and the city as a whole through a variety of marketing efforts. This includes new exit ramp signs and a website redesign, as well as concentrated marketing for the East Bank and the entertainment district. The goal is to attract visitors and businesses to the area, and to showcase the city’s amenities and attractions. Smith hopes that the marketing efforts will be up and running by the end of the first quarter of 2026, and believes that they will have a significant impact on the city’s economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the city of Bossier City is working to create an entertainment district that will attract new businesses and stimulate economic growth. The district will stretch from Chasing Aces to Live! Casino, and will encompass all of the city’s casinos, as well as the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets and the East Bank District. The city is gathering data and planning for the district, and is working on revitalization plans for the Boardwalk. With a potential tax incentive and a range of marketing efforts, the city is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy and to create a vibrant and thriving destination for visitors and residents alike.