Shreveport Partners with 50 Cent for Downtown Redevelopment

Shreveport, LA, September 27, 2025

News Summary

Shreveport has announced a major downtown redevelopment project in collaboration with rapper Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson. This ambitious initiative, valued at approximately $50 million, aims to revitalize the city’s entertainment sector and tackle flooding issues at Millennium Studios. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, creating jobs and encouraging capital investment. A 2% sales tax will support the efforts, and community proposals are already shaping the project, including potential renaming of the district to honor local cultural heritage.

Shreveport is moving forward with an ambitious downtown redevelopment project in collaboration with rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. This initiative is expected to breathe new life into the city’s entertainment sector and includes enhancements to Millennium Studios, which has faced flooding issues that will need to be addressed.

Construction for the new entertainment district is anticipated to start in late 2025 or early 2026, with Jackson’s investment valued at approximately $50 million. As Shreveport aims to become a hub for film and television services, the project promises to create jobs and bolster capital investment in the region.

A dedicated 2% sales tax will be imposed within the boundaries of the new Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District. Revenue generated from this sales tax will be deposited into a trust fund specifically allocated for redevelopment efforts within the district. Mayor Tom Arceneaux has highlighted that this district will fund public improvements without burdening existing city budgets.

The financial model being implemented has been referred to as a “success-dependent incentive” by bond attorney Michael Busada, who has assured that no city funds will be at risk if the project fails. This assurance has somewhat mitigated concerns expressed by some council members, who noted that Shreveport has experienced previous project failures but remain open to the new partnership with Jackson.

A public hearing is planned before the ordinance establishing the new district is finalized. Community input has already begun forming, with resident Craig Lee proposing the renaming of the district to the “Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District” in honor of Shreveport’s rich cultural heritage. This suggestion has been positively received by fellow residents, including Kenny Gordon, and reflects a growing community sentiment towards honoring the city’s past.

The Gateway Economic Development Corporation will oversee the district’s operations, governed by a seven-member board comprising professionals from community development and commercial sectors. Additionally, Millennium Studios will be leased at a nominal fee, further encouraging investments in the local industry.

Shreveport’s Stage Works Studio is currently preparing for production work, indicating that development actions are already paving the way for future entertainment ventures. City officials are also actively working to resolve the flooding issues impacting the Millennium Studios location to ensure that this development can proceed smoothly.

Jackson’s involvement in the redevelopment initiative has instilled a renewed sense of optimism among residents and city officials for economic growth and revitalization in Shreveport’s downtown area.

Key Features of the Shreveport Downtown Redevelopment Project

• Investment Amount: Approximately $50 million
• Construction Start Date: Late 2025 or early 2026
• Sales Tax Imposition: 2% dedicated sales tax within the district
• Oversight Entity: Gateway Economic Development Corporation
• Studio Leasing: Millennium Studios at nominal fee
• Community Involvement: Proposal to rename district to “Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District”

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HERE Resources

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NLEP Acquires Libbey Glass Plant to Revitalize Shreveport Economy
Massive Estate Auction Set for Creamer Furniture Founder
Bossier Parish Faces Real Estate Market Challenges
50 Cent Makes Waves with Real Estate Investments in Shreveport

Additional Resources

• KTBS: 50 Cent Backed Downtown Entertainment District Approved
• Vibe: 50 Cent’s Louisiana Entertainment District
• Shreveport Times: Council Creates Economic District for 50 Cent’s Properties
• KSLA: Flooding at Millennium Studios Holding Up Projects
• Wikipedia: Shreveport, Louisiana
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.