The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has announced that they will break ground on a $557 million construction project to upgrade the facility and surrounding area, in addition to a new 1,200 convention center hotel.

The plan calls for a $79 million linear pedestrian park that will span from Poydras to Henderson Street along Convention Center Blvd., and will feature green space, water features, and art installations. Convention Center Blvd. will also be reduced from four lanes down to two lanes.  The plans also includes $379 million in direct improvements to the building itself, including new meeting rooms, public areas, restrooms, audio visual equipment, and escalators and elevators.