Your Favorite Boardwalk Shops Are Gone: What’s Next for Bossier City’s Riverfront?

In the 20 years that the Louisiana Boardwalk has overlooked the Red River from the riverbanks of Bossier City, a lot has come and gone. The outdoor outlet mall is a shell of its former self, and the owners don't seem to have a plan B. For years, the shops and restaurants on the river were beloved by the entire Shreveport area, but now that charm is lost.

Bossier City Hall's Growing Frustration

City Hall in Bossier City is fed up with how the Boardwalk has crashed and turned into a ghost town. Bossier's Mayor, Thomas Chandler, is one of the key individuals within the City who has lost all patience for watching the former bustling shopping center continue to decline.

After months of arguing back and forth with the property owners, the Mayor and a few other city officials were finally able to schedule a meeting with the actual owners. However, the meeting left a lot to be desired, as the owner's only stated goal is to invite new businesses to the area within the next 12 months, yet only one is actually in the works.

Owners Have No Backup Plan, Future Remains Uncertain

The owners were blunt with the city and admitted that if that plan doesn't work, they don't have a backup plan. If the current owners can't save the riverfront property, it's likely the land will just be sold again. If the Boardwalk can't turn a profit and continues to fall apart, then it's easy to understand that someone might not want to buy the land.

Whatever happens next, we have to wait at least a year to see what happens. For now, the property remains with a few notable storefronts. How long they'll stick around is an open question.