New Orleans is rapidly becoming a new city. rate of development is ridiculous.

just visited NO for the first time since 2007. 

wow. 

i mean, i'm stunned at how rapidly this city is transforming. the amount of development going on in the city is occurring at a stunning rate. just a few things i noticed while i was there, as well as some projects others have mentioned- 

- university medical center looked done, and the VA hospital isn't far behind. these are both gorgeous, massive healthcare complexes.  overhead aerial view of the UMC and VA hospital.

-  jung hotel coming to canal street with a grocery store on the ground floor

-  dave and busters with other retail shops, and a parking garage coming to Poydras

-  four seasons redevelopment of the WTC, to be done in 2017

-  1031 Canal, a massive mixed use building with residential and commercial areas. construction just started.

-  new louis armstrong international airport

-  proposals being made to completely redevelop charity hosptial (into apartments, retail, etc)

-  south market district near the superdome, developing into a massive community/retail space -  another shot

there's also a lot that's already been completed...hotels, restaurants, etc. streetcar line...it's all just occurring very quickly, which i think is good for the city. 

still too many tacky and cheap stores on mid/lower canal. this is prime real estate...not sure how these stores stay open.