When Ben Jacobson and Casey Burka first announced plans for The Batture—a 10-acre outdoor-oriented entertainment and commercial development on the Mississippi River near Audubon Park—the project was met with skepticism. Residents of nearby neighborhoods voiced concerns about increased traffic, noise, and the long-term implications for their community. But in the 18 months since that announcement, the New Orleans-native developers have opted for a different approach: build trust not with promises, but with presence.
Rather than launching the full development all at once, Jacobson and Burka have slowly activated the site. What was once a marine scrap yard now features a co-working space known as The Rigs, a lawn with Adirondack chairs and beach umbrellas, food trucks, and most recently, the Crescent City Farmer’s Market. With a steady stream of weekly programming—including weekend food truck roundups and a well-attended Mother’s Day gathering—The Batture is starting to feel less like a concept and more like a community space.
On a breezy May afternoon, hundreds of families could be seen picnicking, playing games, and soaking in views of the river—an image far removed from the site’s industrial past. “We’re trying to show people the vision,” Jacobson said. “Get them out here and do it organically because that’s what works in a place like New Orleans.”
So far, the vision is gaining traction. But not all skepticism has faded. Jack Davis, who leads the River Triangle Association, a group of nearby condo owners, says many residents appreciate the site’s current use—but still question where it’s headed. “People like the idea of walking over the levee to buy a lobster roll,” he said. “But they’re suspect. What happens if they try to go big?”
The developers say that while the pace may be slower, the essence of their original plan remains intact. The Batture was never meant to be a sprawling retail center, they say, but rather a carefully scaled mix of food, drink, and shared green space. What’s changed is the implementation: six smaller buildings instead of eight, a market instead of a grocery store, and a single bar rather than a string of nightlife venues.
The question of financial viability lingers. The developers purchased the land for around $5 million and have pledged several million more to bring their vision to life. In March, court records show they secured a $1 million mortgage. So far, revenue comes from food vendors, future restaurant and bar plans, and The Rigs, which boasts a 90% occupancy rate with tenants paying between $200 and $2,800 per month. Jacobson’s own real estate brokerage, Ben and Burka, is based on-site with 15 employees.
Still, monetizing weekend crowds and weekday co-workers may not be enough. That’s why Jacobson filed permits earlier this spring for a 700-square-foot market that will serve prepared food and drinks, with plans to open by fall. He’s also banking on strong turnout for an upcoming “Summer Series,” set to begin Father’s Day weekend after a brief two-week closure for heat-friendly upgrades like new shade structures, water features, and sand zones.
For some, the project offers a refreshing reimagining of New Orleans’ riverfront. Carol Bienvenu, a lifelong New Orleanian, brought three generations of her family to The Batture on Mother’s Day. “We never really knew this was here,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”
Yet, community concerns persist. In late April, the River Triangle Association sent a letter to the developers requesting more transparency about permitting, project scale, and a promised—but still unsubmitted—traffic impact study. The letter also criticized a lack of communication around special events like the Masters-themed gathering that included a floating putting green in the river.
“There’s no legal issue right now,” Davis said. “But it’s about community relations and trust. We’re almost always surprised by what’s going on out there.”
Land use attorney Mike Sherman, who represents the developers, said communication has been open. He pointed to weekly coffee meetings at The Batture, open to the public. “We’ve invited everyone to come,” he said. “Last week, only one person showed up.”
As summer approaches, The Batture finds itself at a pivotal moment—praised as an inviting new public space by some, eyed cautiously by others still unsure of its trajectory. Whether it becomes a beloved part of New Orleans’ evolving riverfront or a flashpoint for neighborhood debate may ultimately come down to how well the developers can balance vision with dialogue.
For now, families keep showing up, picnics continue on the lawn, and the smell of food truck fare fills the air. What was once a forgotten industrial yard is, day by day, becoming something much more.
