September 24, 2025
50 Cent has obtained approval to rework Shreveport’s downtown district right into a thriving leisure hub.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has obtained approval to rework downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, right into a thriving leisure hub.
On Sept. 22, Shreveport’s Metropolis Council accepted plans for the brand new downtown leisure district, KTBS reviews. Reps for the hip-hop mogul confirmed building may start as early as late 2025 or within the first quarter of 2026.
Jackson is reportedly investing $50 million of his personal cash into the mission, which incorporates upgrades to Millennium Studios, the place work has already begun at Shreveport’s Stage Works Studio to organize for manufacturing. Councilmembers voiced sturdy assist for Jackson’s presence within the metropolis in the course of the administrative session.
“We’re speaking about threat failure and concern, from what I see, there may be little or no threat for town from what I see,” mentioned Councilman Grayson Boucher. “I’m not frightened of doing this as a result of 50 is prepared to speculate $50 million into Shreveport. We don’t have very many multimillionaires knocking on the door to speculate.”
Discussions additionally happened about naming the brand new leisure hub the Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District, honoring the late music legend who was impressed to put in writing his timeless basic “A Change Gonna Come” after going through racism in Shreveport.
“The title doesn’t say movie or leisure. It doesn’t say something,” Shreveport resident Craig Lee mentioned. “This mission goes to be the biggest growth within the historical past of North Central Louisiana, spearheaded by an African American. Sam Cooke was impressed right here to put in writing ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ — that’s a branding alternative the world would acknowledge.”
An area enterprise proprietor voiced assist, noting that Jackson’s mission would enhance financial development within the downtown space.
“I do know that there are nice issues coming to downtown Shreveport,” the enterprise proprietor mentioned. “This may assist us do what we have to do downtown, particularly within the district the place I do plenty of enterprise.”
The proposed Movie and Leisure Gateway Financial Growth District would impose a 2% gross sales tax inside its boundaries, directing all income right into a devoted belief fund for redevelopment. A companion ordinance establishes the belief fund and units pointers for using the cash.
Council members additionally raised considerations about defending longtime downtown property homeowners from being “disenfranchised,” a priority Boucher assured wouldn’t happen.
“Once we’re speaking concerning the downtown space, what we’re taking a look at is 50 not competing with these current buildings, however to boost these explicit companies which can be right here,” Boucher mentioned. “We’ll give the identical we’re making an attempt to present 50 Cent. I simply need native companies to know that we’re there for them too … in the event that they need to come knock on the door, we’ll assist them any approach we are able to.”
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