
The Ernest N Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority has approved a ground lease agreement for Omni Hotels & Resorts to develop a 1,000-room headquarters hotel.
The approved agreements allow Omni to progress as the owner and operator of the new facility, which will be situated opposite the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center.
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry said: “Today marks a significant milestone for New Orleans and Louisiana. Omni’s investment demonstrates the confidence national businesses have in New Orleans and our state and reinforces that we are open and ready for new opportunities.”
Since 2018, Omni has been in negotiations with the authority, following its selection as part of a development consortium to build a hotel that would serve as a cornerstone for the $557m convention centre renovation.
Omni has stepped up to guarantee the private capital required, ensuring the project’s completion this time.
This project represents Omni’s second venture in the city, complementing the historic Omni Royal Orleans, which the company recently acquired in 2021.
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By GlobalDataThe new Omni New Orleans is designed to integrate with the Warehouse District’s character, offering amenities that include 100,000ft² of meeting space, multiple dining options, a rooftop pool deck, a destination spa, and a parking garage.
The development also includes enhancements to the adjacent Mississippi River Heritage Park.
Ernest N Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority president Russ Allen said: “Today’s votes showcase the power of thoughtful development – how it can drive our state’s hospitality and tourism industry forward and benefit the local community at the same time.
“Omni is the best partner to bring this project to fruition and finally give New Orleans the new, dedicated headquarters hotel it needs.”
Strategically positioned across from the Convention Center Boulevard at the current Sugar Mill event venue site, the Omni New Orleans aims to attract large-scale events that have previously bypassed the city.
With the agreements in place, Omni will now seek the necessary permits from the City of New Orleans, with design work continuing this year and construction expected to begin in 2026. The hotel’s opening is slated for 2029.
Upon completion, the Omni headquarters hotel is projected to support around 1,400 permanent jobs, contribute approximately $213.6m annually to the local economy, and generate an estimated $15.2m in annual tax revenue for both the city and the state.