by Jeroslyn JoVonn
September 24, 2025
50 Cent has acquired approval to rework Shreveport’s downtown district right into a thriving leisure hub.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has acquired approval to rework downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, right into a thriving leisure hub.
On Sept. 22, Shreveport’s Metropolis Council permitted plans for the brand new downtown leisure district, KTBS stories. Reps for the hip-hop mogul confirmed development 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 undertaking, which incorporates upgrades to Millennium Studios, the place work has already begun at Shreveport’s Stage Works Studio to arrange for manufacturing. Councilmembers voiced sturdy assist for Jackson’s presence within the metropolis throughout the administrative session.
“We’re speaking about threat failure and worry, from what I see, there may be little or no threat for the town from what I see,” stated Councilman Grayson Boucher. “I’m not afraid 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 occurred about naming the brand new leisure hub the Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District, honoring the late music legend who was impressed to write down his timeless basic “A Change Gonna Come” after going through racism in Shreveport.
“The identify doesn’t say movie or leisure. It doesn’t say something,” Shreveport resident Craig Lee stated. “This undertaking goes to be the most important growth within the historical past of North Central Louisiana, spearheaded by an African American. Sam Cooke was impressed right here to write down ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ — that’s a branding alternative the world would acknowledge.”
An area enterprise proprietor voiced assist, noting that Jackson’s undertaking would enhance financial progress within the downtown space.
“I do know that there are nice issues coming to downtown Shreveport,” the enterprise proprietor stated. “This can assist us do what we have to do downtown, particularly within the district the place I do a number 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 tips for the usage of the cash.
Council members additionally raised issues about defending longtime downtown property house owners from being “disenfranchised,” a priority Boucher assured wouldn’t happen.
“After we’re speaking in regards to the downtown space, what we’re is 50 not competing with these current buildings, however to reinforce these explicit companies which might be right here,” Boucher stated. “We’ll give the identical we’re making an attempt to offer 50 Cent. I simply need native companies to know that we’re there for them too … in the event that they wish to come knock on the door, we’ll assist them any method we are able to.”
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