Jefferson Parish Seeks Funding to Redevelop Kenner's Blighted Esplanade Mall

Officials say the location's access to rail, the airport, and interstates makes it a prime economic opportunity.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jefferson Parish is seeking nearly $20 million in state funding to buy and demolish the long-struggling Esplanade Mall in Kenner, Louisiana. Officials believe the location's proximity to transportation hubs like the airport and interstates makes it a prime site for redevelopment, and neighbors are already envisioning new housing and retail that could reshape the area.

Why it matters

The Esplanade Mall has been a blighted and underutilized property for years, dragging down the surrounding Kenner neighborhoods. Redeveloping the site could bring new economic opportunities and revitalize the community, but securing the necessary funding will be crucial to making that a reality.

The details

Jefferson Parish officials are hoping to purchase the Esplanade Mall property and demolish the existing structures in order to clear the way for a new mixed-use development. The mall's location near the airport, rail lines, and major interstates is seen as a major asset that could attract new businesses and residents to the area.

  • Jefferson Parish is seeking nearly $20 million in state funding to purchase and redevelop the Esplanade Mall site.
  • The Esplanade Mall has been a blighted and underutilized property in Kenner for years.

The players

Jefferson Parish

The local government entity that oversees the Kenner area and is seeking funding to redevelop the Esplanade Mall site.

Kenner residents

Neighbors in the Kenner area who are already envisioning new housing and retail that could reshape the community if the Esplanade Mall is redeveloped.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If the funding is secured, Jefferson Parish will move forward with purchasing the Esplanade Mall property and demolishing the existing structures to clear the way for a new mixed-use redevelopment project.

The takeaway

The potential redevelopment of the Esplanade Mall site represents a significant opportunity to revitalize a long-blighted area of Kenner and bring new economic activity and housing options to the community. However, securing the necessary funding will be crucial to making this vision a reality.