50 CENT TAKES OVER DOWNTOWN SHREVEPORT: Rap Icon Buys Multiple Properties to Transform City Into Entertainment Mecca
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is buying up properties in downtown Shreveport with an eye on improving the first impression the city has on visitors, his representatives said.
“I would say 10 or more properties at this point, and we have more under contract and we actually are looking at more properties,” said G-Unit Realtor Gerod Durden, PSA, MRP. “And these are, of course, all cash sales. We basically pay a market value for these properties, and they are strategically located in the entertainment district of Shreveport.”
Representatives, who made a presentation Wednesday to the Downtown Development Authority, say it was vital for Jackson to make the purchases with Interstate 20 being identified as the gateway into Shreveport.
“The gateway is where every car comes into Shreveport,” explained Orville Hall, G-Unit marketing strategist. “So, he’s investing his own money to build that gateway into a place that anybody comes down in Shreveport they see a new, vibrant city.”
People have been speculating on how Jackson intends to use the properties.
“Some of them will be nightclubs. We’re looking at grocery store in the immediate Texas Street area,” Durden said. “We are just waiting on other opportunities to come up because some of these properties need to be strategically placed, you know, for traffic and, you know, different situations like this.”
And near Spring Street, there will be new construction.
“I will say something where it can be a multi-use, deal with swimming pools and dance floors,” Durden said. “And, you know, restrooms and even the concession area in it.”
That’s in addition to plans for a one-of-its-kind dome that is sure to capture the eyes of thousands.
“It will be state-of-the-art LED lighting, light show,” Durden said. “Going to put a lot of greenery around it so it will be a tourist attraction within itself.”
According to G-Unit representatives, Shreveport has the capability to be an entertainment mecca, giving the city hope of regaining the title of Hollywood South.
