HOW WILL 50 CENT’S OWNERSHIP OF DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS CHANGE ANYTHING

He did not buy them all.
 
What he bought is not contiguous.
 
He has not improved any of his purchases.
 
I am referring to the eight dilapidated, unoccupied downtown buildings that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has purchased in downtown Shreveport.
 
The downtown inventory of similar structures is double his holdings.
 
So what businesses are likely to occupy these addresses:
 
205 Texas St.
 
218 Texas St.
 
611 Texas St.
 
610 Market St.
 
401 Spring St.
 
510 Commerce St.
 
624-626 Commerce St.
 
630 Commerce St.
 
What is in Jackson’s crystal development ball that others have not been privy to observe?
 
Is it a list of similar, unoccupied downtown buildings on Milam Street, Texas St., Commerce St. and Spring St. waiting for an economic tidal wave?
 
Is it a list of downtown businesses on these streets that have opened and closed within the last five years that are ready for rebirth?
 
Is it the list of downtown office buildings that have had an overall decline in occupancy in the last five years?
 
Refurbishing old buildings does not ensure economic return on the investment without viable business tenants. Does 50 really believe his dreams of a film/entertainment mecca in downtown Shreveport will fill eight (8) buildings with money generating occupants?
 
More importantly, does LED believe Jackson’s plan merits state funding/ assistance rumored to be $50 million. Other than money changing hands on acquisitions, 50’s spending spree has not benefited Shreveport. Remodeling/refurbishing these properties will provide short term economic benefit, but no guarantees of long-term return on investment.