Fat City in Metairie could soon see a major transformation as Jefferson Parish and the Metairie Business Development District move forward with plans for a new leisure park, additional parking, and redevelopment efforts aimed at bringing new life to the longtime commercial area.
Officials are proposing a $17 million Fat City Leisure Park that would create a new public gathering space near Edenborn Avenue and 17th Street. The project is designed to attract visitors, encourage new investment, and help revive an area that has struggled with vacant storefronts and stalled redevelopment efforts.
According to project plans, the proposed park would combine green space, recreational areas, event space, and expanded parking options to create a destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Proposed Features of Fat City Leisure Park
The planned leisure park would include several features intended to make the area more attractive and family-friendly.
Officials’ plans call for:
- A walking garden area where visitors can relax and enjoy landscaped surroundings
- An oak grove featuring mature trees and green space
- A children’s play area
- Four bioswales designed to help manage stormwater naturally
- A 14,320-square-foot open lawn area for community events and gatherings
- A 7,000-square-foot pocket park on the former Crazy Johnnie’s property
The project would also include new parking improvements to address concerns about limited parking availability in Fat City.
Plans include a 12,000-square-foot parking area along with an expanded Edenborn parking lot that could provide up to 75 paid parking spaces.
Officials believe the combination of public space and parking improvements could help encourage more businesses, restaurants, and entertainment options in the surrounding area.
Funding Plan for the Development
The estimated cost of the Fat City Leisure Park project is approximately $17 million.
Officials expect much of the funding to come from government sources, including:
- About $11.7 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding
- Approximately $5.4 million in state funding
The funding would help cover costs associated with property acquisition, design work, engineering, demolition, and construction.
Project leaders say the investment is intended not only to create a new park but also to serve as a catalyst for additional redevelopment in Fat City.
Properties Targeted for Redevelopment
A major focus of the project is the acquisition and redevelopment of properties along Edenborn Avenue.
Jefferson Parish documents identify the property at 3133 Edenborn Ave. as one of the key parcels involved in the redevelopment effort.
Officials are working through several steps before construction can begin, including:
- Completing property acquisition efforts
- Clearing ownership titles
- Conducting environmental reviews
- Preparing the site for demolition and future construction
The Metairie Business Development District and Jefferson Parish are coordinating efforts to move the project forward.
Business District Supports Development Effort
The Metairie Business Development District has approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Parish that allows the district to participate in using CDBG funding for architectural and engineering services.
Board records show that the district also approved a reimbursable deposit of up to $10,000 toward the purchase of 3133 Edenborn Ave.
Officials are currently working on appraisals, environmental testing, and communication with regional partners as they prepare for the next stages of the project.
The goal is to make the process of purchasing properties, removing outdated structures, and beginning construction as smooth as possible.
Officials Hope Park Will Bring New Investment
Supporters say the project is about more than creating another public park.
They believe the new space could encourage private investment and help attract businesses back to Fat City.
Metairie Business Development District chair Dana Pecoraro said the park is intended to become a starting point for additional growth in the area.
“It’s supposed to be the catalyst to get things to develop around it,” Pecoraro said.
Board member Tommy Cvitanovich also said improvements to the area could help bring more visitors and create greater interest from businesses.
Officials hope the project will help transform Fat City into a more active destination with restaurants, entertainment and community activities.
Former Crazy Johnnie’s Property Creates Challenge
One potential obstacle involves the former Crazy Johnnie’s building, which is part of the redevelopment plans.
Officials are still negotiating the purchase of the property, and the process has become more complicated because of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.
The delay could affect the project timeline, depending on how quickly ownership issues are resolved.
Next Steps Before Construction Begins
Before work can begin, officials must complete several important steps, including:
- Property appraisals
- Title reviews
- Environmental approvals
- Demolition planning
- Permit approvals
Once those steps are completed, designers and construction teams can begin moving forward with the park’s development.
Officials hope the Fat City Leisure Park could open by the end of 2027, assuming funding remains available and property negotiations proceed without major delays.
While challenges remain, parish leaders and business officials believe the project could become a major turning point for Fat City, creating a new public space while helping attract future economic development to the area.
