Donald Trump of New Orleans

Friday, March 10, 2006

While most people see mass destruction and devastation in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, One NOLA businessman sees opportunity.

For some time now, Quinn has been a player in the New Orleans real estate market. Now he's making a move to become a power broker. He has purchased five buildings since the August 29th category 4 hurricane devastated much of New Orleans, and is in negotiations to acquire two more. Normally his company - Decatur Hotels - would do one or two deals a year.

The New York Times has dubbed Quinn a sthe "Donald Trump of New Orleans", although Quinn himself does not see it like that. Quinn states his goal is only to branch out from hotels and into residential develpment.

After Hurricane Katrina ravaged through New Orleans last August, Quinn bought a couple of residential lots, but then he slammed on the brakes fearing the city of New Orleans, as well as the state of Louisiana and federal officials have yet to impliment an acceptable plan to redevelop flooded areas such as the Lakeview area of New Orleans.

Quinn, who grew up in the Lakeview area, and attended Catholic schools there, believes residents and homeowners will return if they can be assured the area is safe.

With less than 3 months until the 2006 Hurricane Season begins, Quinn knows time is running short. Unless residents know they will be protected in low-lying areas, they will not return to New Orleans.