Gretna officials, Bui Nguyen and family and associates of BN Management of Harvey break ground on the first phase of a $50 million hotel-retail development in Gretna on Aug. 20, 2014. The Courtyard by Marriott, a four-story, 123-room hotel, could be open by late spring. (Andrea Shaw, NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune)
Gretna officials and real estate developers broke ground Wednesday on a $50 million hotel-retail complex described as the largest economic development project in the city’s history. The Courtyard by Marriott could open in late spring, said Mike Sherman, attorney for BN Management of Harvey.
“We’re going to give Gretna and the West Bank a first-class development,” Sherman said. “We’re creating jobs. We’re creating economic development, but most of all we’re sending a message to the entire world: The West Bank is here to stay. It’s here to revitalize, and it’s only strengthening and growing every day.”
The 12-acre tract wedged between Algiers and Terrytown was annexed by Gretna earlier this year, at developer Bui Nguyen’s request. Bounded by the West Bank Expressway, Whitney Avenue and the Donner Canal, the property known as “the triangle” was part of Terrytown.
Despite objections from some Terrytown residents, the Jefferson Parish Council supported Gretna’s plans. Parish officials said it was more economically feasible for Gretna to provide utilities to the long-dormant tract.
The first phase of the development will consist of the four-story Courtyard property. It will have 123 guest rooms, an indoor swimming pool and small restaurant. Sherman said the developers are working with Jefferson Parish on the second phase, which will add a second hotel.
Crews work on a 12-acre tract in Gretna, where a Courtyard by Marriott is under construction. The hotel could open in late spring, according to attorney Mike Sherman, who represents BN Management.
Mayor Belinda Constant thanked the Nguyen family for their investment. “We pride ourselves as a community on being business-friendly and totally about community and quality of life for our people, not just in the city but as a gem that serves the entire West Bank,” Constant said. “Thank you so much for your commitment to us.”
City Councilman Wayne Rau said the project is the largest in the city’s history. “It’s a tremendous boost to us,” he said. “It’s going to be the.
Andrea Shaw, NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune
