Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson continues to buy property in downtown Shreveport. With the exception of crushed rock on the downtown city block, all of his properties are in the same condition as a the time of purchase.
In the meantime, Jackson continues to be in violation of his lease of Millennium Studio, but then that's another story. And it has been reported that next year, he will open a pizza parlor on a newly purchased building on Commerce Street.
Some members of the local media and Jackson fans tout he is now the largest property owner in downtown Shreveport. Not surprisingly, this claim has not been substantiated much less clarified as the standard used for such a claim.
Here are some properties owned by a Monroe resident (and his brother) in downtown:
1. Slattery Building which is empty
2. Johnson Building which is empty
3. Panos Diner building which is empty
4. The "Tent"/former Spar Transit Station which is available for rent
5. The Chase Tower/red brick building at 401 Texas--which has occupancy of less than 30% 6. Lane Building which is partially occupied
6. The Crockett Street Garage
The Monroe property owners have done very little to improve their properties, with exception of some work at the Chase Building and the Lane Building.
Like Jackson, these absentee owners are adding no real value to downtown other than bragging rights on who is the biggest and baldest. Maybe this award should be given to the property owner that first pays all the city and parish ad valorem taxes due of 2024.