Demolition of old Six Flags is halfway done, developer says
Why it matters: The property, which has been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina, is finally getting redeveloped after 20 years.
The big picture: Troy Henry, the CEO of Bayou Phoenix, gathered with state and city leaders Tuesday to celebrate the demolition phase on the 225-acre site.
The work has been going on since last fall and is about 60% done, says Vince Williams, Bayou Phoenix's project manager.
Three of the big rollercoasters are already down and Korver Demolition is about halfway done with the Mega Zeph, he says. Demolition is slated to finish by the end of March.
The company plans to transform the overgrown site into a bustling $500 million complex with youth sports fields, hotels, shops, a movie studio and a waterpark.
By the numbers: The developers are seeking about $100 million in government funding for infrastructure, Henry tells Axios. Other pieces will be self-financed, he says.
The city committed $5 million to it in this budget year. Williams says Bayou Phoenix will be presenting a capital outlay request to the state this year.
Their goal is to get the government to pay for the site's infrastructure — utilities, roads, sewer, flood control, etc. — and then Bayou Phoenix and tenants will pay for the ground-up construction.
Bayou Phoenix is doing a site assessment that will guide the financial requests, Henry and Williams say.
Zoom in: Elvin Ross is the first tenant, with plans to build a $200 million movie studio and creative complex called e. ross studios.
Ross, an Emmy Award-winning composer, splits his time between Georgia and New Orleans.
He plans to redevelop one of the only salvageable buildings in the park and open it to the public for live entertainment. He's also keeping ride carts and other mementos for the studio and possibly a public exhibit onsite.
He told Axios on Tuesday that he's also working with Dillard University and Southern University to create a job training program for the film industry.
Plus, he says, he's talking with tech and AI companies about being part of his creative complex.
State of play: The site, which has been popular for urban explorers, now has 24/7 security to prevent trespassing.
Developers have a wildlife management officer on payroll to handle the infestation of snakes, gators and other creatures.
He told Axios he's killed about 300 wild hogs on the property over the past decade.
What's next: Bayou Phoenix is negotiating with companies that run youth sports complexes, which Henry says will be the real driver for the project.
The hotel contracts will follow, then the restaurants and shops will come, Williams says.
Bayou Phoenix also is working on an indoor waterpark and a blue-water lagoon.
Part of Ross' development could open by the end of the year, Bayou Phoenix says. The rest of the project is slated to start opening in 2027.
Go deeper:
Bayou Phoenix's master plan
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Where is the oldest roller coaster in Massachusetts? Here's how to ride it
Love adrenaline and theme parks? Chances are you are always looking for a new ride to try, from drop rides to suspension rides to virtual reality adventures. However, Massachusetts not only has plenty of newer rides across its many theme parks, but also a number of older rides that offer a more historic thrill. In fact, the oldest operating roller coaster in the state, Thunderbolt at Six Flags New England, dates all the way back to 1941. Want to ride the oldest coaster in Massachusetts? Here's what to know about Thunderbolt. History of Thunderbolt According to Six Flags New England's website, Thunderbolt was built back in 1941. However, the ride's origins date back even further, as it is based on the Cyclone coaster from the 1939 New York World's Fair. After the fair, park owner Edward Carroll Sr. acquired the track, train and plans from original designer Vernon Keenan, according to the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Joseph E. Drambour reassembled the coaster at Six Flags New England, then called Riverside Park, and the coaster officially opened for the 1941 season. Today, the wooden coaster stands as the oldest roller coaster in Six Flags New England, offering a series of thrilling hills and drops throughout its figure-8 layout. American Coaster Enthusiasts recognizes Thunderbolt as a landmark, recognizing the many generations for which the coaster has provided fun. Roller coaster lover? The oldest theme park in MA is one of the most famous in the country. Here's where it is How to ride Thunderbolt Six Flags New England currently opens every day at 11 a.m., closing on weekdays at 7 or 8 p.m. and on weekends at 9 p.m. The theme park will transition to weekend-only hours after Labor Day. Daily tickets currently cost $35 for adults or $25 for military and first responders. Six Flags also offers season passes at various levels. Thunderbolt can be found in the park's Main Street Plaza, to the left of the Ride Information Center. The park itself is located at 1623 Main St. in Agawam, Massachusetts. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: What is the oldest roller coaster in MA? The history of Thunderbolt Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Remembering Ohio's Geauga Lake, once the world's largest theme park. Look back at photos
For more than 100 years, Geauga Lake in Aurora, Ohio, was an amusement park destination. From its earliest days in the late 19th century, when Geauga Lake was just a train stop with picnic tables and boats to rent, the park grew. Its first ride was a steam-powered carousel, added in 1889. Its first roller coaster didn't come until 1925 with the Big Dipper, which entertained thrill-seekers until the park closed down. And in 2001, Geauga Lake absorbed the neighboring Sea World, when the latter closed its Ohio park. That made Geauga Lake the largest theme park in the world by area at the time, covering some 700 acres on both sides of the lake. Less than a decade later, the fun was over. In 2007, the park shut down after rounds of ownership changes and park expansion. Now, what's left of Geauga Lake Park may return to its 19th-century roots. The City of Aurora has purchased the former Geauga Lake and Sea World land, with the intent of making it a public park. Here's a look back at the history of Geauga Lake, as reported in previous Beacon Journal articles. Looking back at Geauga Lake Park in Ohio; its first roller coaster, the Big Dipper, debuted in 1925 Here's a brief history of Geauga Lake: 1887: The northeast side of Geauga Lake is first called Picnic Lake or Giles Pond, a place where visitors camped, went fishing or picnicked. 1889: The park's first ride is added, a steam-powered carousel. 1925: Geauga Lake's first roller coaster is built. The Big Dipper was the largest wooden roller coaster built at the time, at 2,800 feet long and a height of 65 feet. 1939: A dance hall and ballroom are built. 1969: Funtime Inc. purchases the park. 1977: The Double Loop — Ohio's first looping steel coaster — opens. 1978: The Corkscrew steel coaster debuts. 1984: The Wave, the first pool of its kind that creates 6-foot waves, opens. 1988: The park celebrates its 100th year and welcomes the Raging Wolf Bobs wooden roller coaster. 1995: Geauga Lake is purchased by Premier Parks Inc. 1998: Premier Parks purchases Six Flags Theme Parks. 2000: Park changes name to Six Flags Ohio. 2001: Six Flags purchases SeaWorld Cleveland, renamed to Six Flags Worlds of Adventure. 2004: Six Flags sells the park to Cedar Fair, at the time the owner of Cedar Point. The name is changed back to Geauga Lake. 2005: Cedar Fair revamps the old Sea World into a water park called Wildwater Kingdom. 2007: The ride side of Geauga Lake closes. 2016: Wildwater Kingdom closes. SOURCES: Aurora Historical Society and Akron Beacon Journal archives. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Remembering Ohio's Geauga Lake with photos from its century of history Solve the daily Crossword
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
Dunkin'® Serves Up a Fall First: The New Cereal N' Milk Latte, Plus Lineup Full of Fall Favorites Return
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This fall, Dunkin' is taking mornings back to where they began: with the clink of a spoon in a cereal bowl. Launching nationwide today, the all-new Cereal N' Milk Latte transforms that memory into a sweet, nostalgic sip, blended with cereal milk and espresso. The season gets even sweeter as two-time GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar Sabrina Carpenter is back with more Daydream Refresher flavors to turn any fall afternoon into a little escape. Dunkin's fall icons also make their comeback, with pumpkin spice back in the spotlight and the $6 Meal Deal delivering unbeatable value for great-tasting breakfast all day long. A Sip of Nostalgia: Meet the Cereal N' Milk Latte Dunkin' is serving up a latte that tastes like childhood, all grown up. The new Cereal N' Milk Latte combines espresso with cereal milk for a marshmallow-cereal flavor that's creamy, rich and unmistakably nostalgic. Building on the success of the Dunkalatte™, Dunkin' is taking its latte innovation to the next level with cereal milk made with real cereal, unlocking that unmistakable bottom-of-the-bowl sweetness. Available hot or iced, it's marshmallow cereal nostalgia made for today's busy mornings—spoon-free. 'This latte is all about nostalgia! The idea came from the best part of eating cereal, that last bit of milk. We all remember finishing a bowl just to enjoy those final, sweet sips, which inspired our new Cereal N' Milk Latte,' said Anthony Epter, vice president of menu innovation at Dunkin'. 'With our very own cereal milk blended with rich espresso, the Cereal N' Milk Latte brings that marshmallow-flavored, bottom-of-the-bowl taste in every sip. Just like the Dunkalatte, it gives the classic latte a fun new twist.' And because one good throwback deserves another, Dunkin' is dropping a limited-edition Cereal N' Milk Latte-inspired merch collection at starting today at 9 a.m. ET. Taking inspiration from the golden era of cereal culture, the exclusive drop includes a crewneck ($45), graphic tee ($30) and trucker hat ($20). The merch features a range of playful throwback designs – from cereal bowls, spoons and milk cartons to graffiti-style Cereal N' Milk branding. Each piece is available in three vibrant colors, while supplies last. Dunkin' Refreshers Just Got Dreamier After the buzz of Sabrina's Strawberry Daydream Refresher, two-time GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar Sabrina Carpenter is back to round out the lineup with Mixed Berry, joining Mango and Strawberry to create a trio of Daydream Refreshers. Crafted with oatmilk and topped with velvety cold foam, each sip is indulgent yet refreshingly light. Whether you're in the mood for the tropical pop of Mango, the juicy sweetness of Mixed Berry or the creamy nostalgia of Strawberry, Sabrina's Daydream Refreshers deliver three crave-worthy flavors to match any mood. Through the Dunkin' app, guests can create their perfect sip with the Mix Your Own Refresher option. With customizable bases (green tea, black tea, lemonade, sparkling water, water, or oatmilk), flavors, and sweetness levels – there's a drink that's as creamy, bold, bubbly or tart as they like. Plus, more fun is brewing next month, so fans can stay tuned to Dunkin's social channels for what's next. The Return of Pumpkin at Dunkin' No fall at Dunkin' is complete without pumpkin. The iconic Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, hot or iced, is back to spice up the season, made with flavors of sweet pumpkin, vanilla and warm fall spices, then finished with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Guests can also add pumpkin swirl to their favorite hot or iced coffee, Cold Brew or espresso drink. Joining the pumpkin lineup this year is the all-new Iced Pumpkin Loaf, a rich pumpkin and vanilla flavored pound cake topped with cream cheese icing. Individually wrapped for on-the-go convenience, it's an instant seasonal classic. Guests can pair their favorite pumpkin sips with the returning Pumpkin Bakery lineup, featuring the Pumpkin Cake Donut and Pumpkin MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats, glazed to perfection for that unmistakable Dunkin' pumpkin fix. Savor the Season with New & Returning Favorites Beyond pumpkin, Dunkin' is rounding out the fall menu with more crave-worthy bites both sweet and savory: Kreme Delight Donut: a yeast shell filled with vanilla flavored buttercreme, topped with rich chocolate icing and finished with a vanilla flavored buttercreme rosette. Chipotle Loaded Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns drizzled with chipotle aioli and topped with crumbled bacon. A delicious take on the popular Loaded Hash Browns. Maple Sugar Bacon: A fan favorite since 2019, back in the Maple Sugar Bacon Breakfast Sandwich, Snackin' Bacon, and Wake-Up Wrap®. These join seasonal favorites like the Chipotle Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap®, Ham & Swiss Croissant Stuffer and Braided Apple Pie, making fall at Dunkin' a full lineup of flavor. Deals Worth Runnin' On Fall isn't just about flavor—it's about value, too. And with busy schedules in full swing, Dunkin' is keeping guests fueled with deals that fit every kind of day. The popular $6 Meal Deal is back, serving up a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich, crispy hash browns and a medium hot coffee (14 oz.) or iced coffee (24 oz.) – all for $6*. For Dunkin' Rewards members, the savings stack up even higher with limited-time offers**: Through August 31: $2 10 count MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats, with beverage purchase August 25 – October 27: 100 bonus points when ordering ahead on Mondays September 1 – 15: $1 Braided Apple Pie, with beverage purchase September 16 – 30: $2 Chipotle Hash-Brown Wake-Up Wrap®, with beverage purchase Those not yet enrolled in Dunkin' Rewards can create a free account on the Dunkin' app or by visiting To stay up to date on what Dunkin's brewing up this fall, visit or subscribe to the Dunkin' blog to receive notifications at * Excludes espresso and cold brew beverages, seasoned bacon, and loaded hash browns. Offer valid on Bacon, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwiches only. Price and participation may vary. Limited time offer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Terms apply. ** Dunkin' Rewards members only. Must activate before use. Additional charges, terms and exclusions may apply. About Dunkin' Dunkin', founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 14,000 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin' is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit and
