New Orleans, La. - A new Walmart store will soon replace the blighted Gentilly Woods Mall site.
The discount retail giant just completed an agreement with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) to buy the property that sits at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Press Drive.
The City Planning Commission and the New Orleans City Council will have to approve site plans for the project.
"Walmart believes in the rebirth of New Orleans. We recognize the opportunity that exists here for our company to invest in neighborhoods, bring a an important intersection back to life and create hundreds of new, quality jobs in Gentilly," said Tracy Rosser, senior vice president of Walmart Stores Mississippi River Delta Region. "As we move closer to our groundbreaking in Gentilly and as our new store in New Orleans East takes shape in the coming weeks and months, we look forward to further demonstrating our commitment to New Orleans and our confidence in the economic potential of this city."
The Gentilly Woods Mall has been empty since Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005. Walmart plans to demolish the existing structure and remediate the site before construction begins.
Walmart is expected to bring about 300 jobs to the area.
"One of my top priorities as mayor has been to attract new retail development in the city, so I am pleased Walmart is coming to Gentilly -- a community that is prime for economic development," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "Delivering new retail for our residents is vital to our progress- it provides needed jobs, local tax dollars, and improved quality of life. We appreciate the work that NORA and Walmart have done to negotiate an agreement to allow the company to make this important investment in another New Orleans community."
The new store is expected to open early 2014.
Gentilly Woods Mall site abandoned since 2005 (FOX 8)
