Returning a year after the hurricane, I noticed a majority of the tenants had already relocated. The only tenant who stood adamant in their decision to stay was Rock n Bowl, which was open for business even though the hurricane severely damaged its ground floor. Fortunately, there was not much damage to the second floor, so the business was able to stay in operation while management continued renovations on the ground floor. Rock n Bowl served as an incentive for investors to return to the area, as their booming business proved there was still an opportunity for businesses to thrive.
Approximately three years after the hurricane, the shopping center received its much-needed face-lift based on an Ohio/Chicago styled façade. This site served as a motivation for investors to come into the area, as this was one of the first signs of improvement on Tulane Ave. I have obtained pictures from various sources reflecting the three developmental stages as the shopping center came to be what it is now. Compared to the previous design of the shopping center, additional parking has replaced the once-standing Hong Kong City Restaurant. Much of the current retailers have replaced the previous ones with newer ones, such as the Nike Factory, Rio, and Rainbow, just to name a few.
Overall, the shopping center has outgrown its old, traditional look, which was once a filthy, trashed parking lot to the futuristic look of a modern-day Dallas shopping center. Daily bus routes packed with civilians will once again complete the surrounding grounds of this newly redesigned shopping center. Rock n Bowl, a loyal tenant to the owner of this shopping center relocated to 3000 S Carrollton Ave New Orleans, LA 70118. If you or any other friends have stopped by the New Orleans area, don’t forget to revisit this site, as it proved to be a promising transformation.
* Note: Pictures were taken post-Katrina
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