SHREVEPORT, La. — Residents packed the Shreveport Convention Center on Wednesday for a community fireside chat with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and his development team, eager to hear updates on the future of several high-profile projects planned for downtown Shreveport. It has been three years since Jackson announced plans to transform portions of downtown into a hub for G-Unit Film & Television productions. While leases have been signed and investments have been made, major exterior construction has yet to begin on the proposed G-Dome, Millennium Studios and Stageworks. The event featured a video presentation followed by a question-and-answer session, giving attendees an opportunity to ask Jackson questions directly through a digital submission system. Many residents said they attended in hopes of learning more about project timelines and potential opportunities tied to the development. "We love that he's coming in town and taking old buildings and buying them and turning them into something good for the city," Mark Mangham from Twin Blends said. Another attendee said they appreciated Jackson taking the time to address the community. "I do appreciate him coming and spending time with the city and finally putting us down with what the plan is going to be," attendee Eric James said. During the discussion, Jackson and G-Unit Growth Advisor Orville Hall addressed questions about delays and challenges facing the projects. Hall emphasized that progress is being made despite obstacles. "The biggest takeaway today is that it's happening ... it's happening," Hall said. Hall also highlighted a partnership with Samsung, which he said will play a role in the project's technological development. "We were able to create a partnership with Samsung," Jackson said. "Samsung is the leader in LCD technology." Jackson reaffirmed his commitment to Shreveport and said he plans to begin filming productions at Stageworks later this year. According to Jackson's team, the entertainer and entrepreneur has already invested $11 million of his own money into Shreveport projects. Attendees said they left encouraged by the update and hopeful for future opportunities connected to the development. "I put in to work for this, so hopefully I get called — fingers crossed," one attendee, Rosie Christor said. Jackson's team did not provide a firm timeline for the completion of the G-Dome or other redevelopment projects but said work continues behind the scenes as plans move forward.

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