Walk into the Esplanade Mall in Kenner, LA today and it feels like you’ve stepped into a time capsule. Or maybe a ghost story. It’s quiet. Eerily quiet. If you grew up in Jefferson Parish or New Orleans in the late 80s or 90s, this place was basically the center of the universe. It wasn't just a mall; it was a sprawling, neon-lit monument to suburban consumerism that defined the local culture for decades. But honestly, the story of the Esplanade isn't just about a building getting old. It’s a messy, complicated look at how retail died, how hurricanes changed the geography of Louisiana business, and how a once-mighty landmark is trying to survive in a world that’s moved on.
When it opened back in 1983, it was a big deal. Huge. We're talking about a $70 million investment back when that kind of money meant something massive. D.H. Holmes and Macy’s were the anchors, and for a long time, it was the only place in the metro area where you could find certain high-end brands. It felt more sophisticated than Lakeside or Clearview. It had that specific "new mall" smell—a mix of Cinnabon, expensive perfume, and climate-controlled air.
The Slow Fade of the Esplanade Mall in Kenner LA
People usually point to the rise of Amazon as the reason malls die. That's part of it, sure. But for the Esplanade Mall in Kenner LA, the decline was death by a thousand cuts. It wasn't one thing. It was a combination of shifting demographics, the physical toll of South Louisiana weather, and a series of ownership changes that left the property feeling a bit like a neglected stepchild.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 changed everything for Kenner. While the mall itself didn't suffer the catastrophic flooding seen in New Orleans East or St. Bernard Parish, the economic landscape shifted overnight. The Macy’s closed its doors in 2006, citing damage and a changing market. That was a gut punch. When you lose an anchor like Macy's, the foot traffic doesn't just dip—it craters. Smaller tenants who rely on that "walk-by" traffic start to panic. Rents get harder to pay. The lights get a little dimmer.
You’ve probably seen the "dead mall" videos on YouTube. The Esplanade is a frequent star. There’s something deeply nostalgic and kind of depressing about seeing the grand staircases and the skylights illuminating empty storefronts. By the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the mall was already on life support. Target and Dillard’s Clearance Center remained the primary draws, but the interior corridors began to resemble a movie set for an apocalypse film.
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Ownership Shuffles and Broken Promises
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. Simon Property Group, a giant in the industry, eventually sold the mall. It’s passed through the hands of various investment groups, including Kohan Retail Investment Group, which is known for buying distressed malls across the country.
The problem? These sales often come with big promises of "redevelopment" and "mixed-use spaces" that rarely seem to materialize. Locals have heard it all. They've heard rumors of apartments, medical offices, and even indoor sports complexes. Most of it hasn't happened. It’s frustrating for Kenner residents who remember when this was a tax revenue powerhouse for the city.
Why the Mall Still Matters (Sorta)
Believe it or not, the Esplanade Mall in Kenner LA isn't totally dead. It’s just... different. If you go there on a Saturday, you’ll still see people. The Target is always busy because, well, it’s Target. Dillard’s Clearance Center is a legitimate destination for bargain hunters who are willing to dig through racks for 70% off designer labels.
There’s also a strange kind of community that has formed in the vacuum. Small, local businesses have taken up residence in spots that used to house national chains. You’ll find independent boutiques, sneaker shops, and service providers that you wouldn't typically find in a high-end Simon mall. In a way, it’s become more "local" than it ever was during its heyday.
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The Physical Reality of the Building
Maintaining a structure this size in the humidity of Kenner is an absolute nightmare. The roof issues have been well-documented. If you walk the halls after a heavy rain, you’re likely to see buckets catching leaks. It sounds minor, but it’s a symptom of the larger issue: the cost of upkeep is outstripping the revenue coming in.
Kenner city officials have been in a constant tug-of-war with various owners over code violations and taxes. It’s a standoff. The city wants the property revived or demolished to make way for something useful, while the owners often seem content to hold the land as a speculative asset.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Dead Mall" Label
There’s a misconception that these places are dangerous. Honestly, the Esplanade is mostly just quiet. The security guards still roam the halls on their Segways, looking for something to do. It’s more of a melancholy vibe than a scary one.
Another thing people miss is the importance of the peripheral businesses. The "outparcels"—the restaurants and shops in the parking lot—actually do okay. The Grand Theatre is still a major draw for Kenner. People still go there for movies, then maybe pop into Target, but they just don't walk through the mall’s "spine" anymore. The mall-walking culture of the 90s is basically extinct here.
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Comparing Esplanade to Lakeside
Why did Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie survive while the Esplanade struggled? Location is the obvious answer. Lakeside is right off I-10 in a high-traffic area. But it’s also about curation. Lakeside fought to keep Apple, Sephora, and Cheesecake Factory. The Esplanade Mall in Kenner LA lost its momentum and never quite figured out how to pivot when the middle-class retail market started to split between luxury and ultra-discount.
The Future: Is There a Realistic Path Forward?
Look, nobody is coming to "save" the mall as it currently exists. The era of the 1.1 million-square-foot indoor shopping plaza is over. The most likely scenario for the Esplanade is a complete "de-malling."
What does that look like? It means tearing down the vacant interior sections and turning the site into a "lifestyle center." Think open-air walkways, green spaces, and a mix of residential apartments and retail. This has been done successfully in other parts of the country. It turns a massive, decaying box into a neighborhood.
Actionable Insights for Locals and Visitors
If you're planning a trip or just curious about the state of the mall, here is the ground-level reality:
- Target and Dillard’s are the main events. Don't expect a full mall experience. Go for the anchors and the theater, but don't plan a whole day of "mall crawling."
- The Food Court is a shadow of its former self. If you're looking for a wide variety of dining, you’re better off hitting the restaurants along West Esplanade Avenue or Williams Boulevard.
- Support the small guys. The independent vendors inside are often local entrepreneurs trying to make a go of it. They appreciate the business more than the big chains ever did.
- Check the hours. Because occupancy is low, some stores inside the mall keep irregular hours compared to the major anchors.
- Keep an eye on Kenner City Council meetings. If you live in the area, this is where the actual news about the mall’s zoning and future development breaks. Don't rely on rumors.
The Esplanade Mall in Kenner LA stands as a reminder of a specific era of American life. It’s a bit bruised, definitely faded, but it’s still standing. Whether it becomes a vibrant new community hub or eventually meets the bulldozer is still up in the air, but for now, it remains a fascinating, quiet giant in the heart of Kenner.
To get the most out of a visit today, stick to the perimeter for your essentials and visit the interior only if you have a specific local shop in mind or a deep craving for a dose of 90s nostalgia. Monitor local news for "Request for Proposals" (RFPs) regarding the site, as that will be the first real sign of a permanent transformation for the property.