BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Boardwalk is outlining a broader redevelopment strategy for its riverfront property, citing more than $13.5 million in tenant investment over the past two years and more than $3.5 million in realized and projected property improvements.
The update follows the recent announcement that Louisiana Grandstand will join The Boardwalk. Property leadership said the new attraction is part of a longer-term effort to reposition the development with a mix of retail, dining, wellness and entertainment businesses.
“We are looking at the Boardwalk through a much larger lens,” said John O’Shaughnessy, principal at Commercial Retail Group. “This isn’t about one improvement or one announcement. It’s about making thoughtful, intentional investments that build on one another and create a stronger destination over time. Every improvement, every new partner and every new experience contribute to where we want The Boardwalk to be five years from now.”
Tenant investments include a $5 million, 50-room expansion of the Courtyard Marriott and a $3.5 million redevelopment of 39,000 square feet for The Picklr and The Brine.
The Picklr, a national pickleball franchise, operates 11 courts at the property and has hundreds of active members, according to The Boardwalk. The Brine, a restaurant led by chef Gabriel Balderas, is scheduled to open next month. It will be the first restaurant concept developed inside a Picklr franchise and Balderas’ first concept in Bossier City.
The Simple Church and Event Center represents another $5 million investment. The church draws nearly 2,500 people to weekly services, while the Event Center has hosted close to 5,000 guests during the past 12 months, according to The Boardwalk.
Property ownership has committed more than $3.5 million toward completed and planned improvements, including roadside LED signs, digital wayfinding screens, landscaping, outdoor common-area improvements, updated branding, additional security staffing and tenant recruitment and marketing efforts.
Retail remains part of the property’s strategy, but leasing efforts are expanding to include dining, wellness, entertainment and experience-oriented retail concepts. The Boardwalk currently has 30 tenants, consisting of 23 retail tenants and seven office tenants.
“The recruited tenant mix is not random,” said Abigail Simmons of KSM Marketing Agency, The Boardwalk’s marketing agency of record. “Every prospective tenant is being vetted to help create a more complete and fulfilling destination.”
Commercial Retail Group has owned The Boardwalk since 2022. The current strategy includes a multiyear revitalization and a more targeted approach to leasing as development increases along the surrounding Red River corridor.
“The decline of this property didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t the result of one decision or one moment in time,” Simmons said. “A number of circumstances, over a period of years, led to the state the property was in when we came in a year ago to build strategy and vision.”
Recent changes include a new website, roadside LED signage and other property improvements. Additional construction is expected as new tenants build out their spaces.
The Boardwalk is located along a developing riverfront corridor that includes Live Casino and Chasing Aces. Ownership said additional improvements and tenant announcements are planned as the redevelopment continues.