The original Riverwalk Marketplace, designed by MMI, opened in 1986 in an area used in the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. The renovation began in 2011 and added 50,000 square feet to the complex, bringing it to a total of 250,000 square feet.  In some areas, the mall was widened 30 feet toward the land side and 90 feet toward the river.  Renovations included interior demolitions, modifications to X- and K-bracing, truss removal, new foundations, columns, floor and roof framing, food court area and additional stair locations. Spanish Plaza was also renovated to refurbish the existing finishes, ramps, stairs, and planters.