Our downtown ‘to-do’ list
A few days ago, a friend inquired about downtown’s strategic plan.
The timing of the call was interesting because her question followed on the heels of a visit by a group from the American Planning Association. The APA folks, from cities all across the United States, spent a week downtown gathering data for a transit-related strategic plan. Yes, we have plans a-plenty!
In addition to the APA report, we have a recently-completed Shreveport Common Vision Plan, and soon will have the draft of the new Unified Development Code, a set of important zoning plans for the future.
It’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed at all the plans, but we always like to remind ourselves that so many people wanting to help plan for downtown’s future is a good thing. If no one gave a hoot, there would be no plans at all, so given the option of too much versus no planning, we’ll take the too much, thank you.
There’s one plan that tops the list; the one plan under which everything else should align, and that is the Shreveport/Caddo Master Plan. The master plan, called “Great Expectations,” came to life on paper in 2010 after months of workshops, sessions and study and input from any citizen or stakeholder who wanted to share an idea or desire.
It includes a large and impressive section on downtown, which gives us both a framework for what to do and details on how to do it. It is an impressive, yet workable document. If you let yourself focus on all the suggestions, it would be overwhelming, so like eating the elephant, it has to be done one bite at a time. Some of the bites have included successes in adaptive reuse, which is the fancy way of saying old buildings have been updated and are back in use again. Other successes include the work Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation are doing with multiple developers on additional downtown residential options. An important Demolition Delay Ordinance enacted by the Shreveport City Council and more recently, a Historic Preservation Ordinance that was approved by the city, are successes. Plans are in the works for improved bicycle access to downtown and bike racks now dot the streets – success. Shreveport Common has expanded downtown’s art and culture district and art offerings and given a once-blighted part of downtown a new and updated identity, sparking national interest and investment – more success. The Unified Development Code being created now will help us with design and development standards and our Pop UP Project aims to enhance downtown’s retail environment, success and success.
All of these goals were laid out in the master plan, and all are being addressed. A tremendous amount of work? To be sure, but partners ranging from governmental entities to building owners and managers to the Community Foundation and Shreveport Regional Arts Council are committing their time, resources and energy to the task. With so many good people and intentions, we are certain even more successes are on the horizon!
Sears Building Update
If you haven’t been downtown in the last few weeks, it’s time to be shocked by the work happening on the old Sears building and the two adjacent buildings in the 600 block of Texas Street. The formerly bricked up and foreboding façade of the old Sears store is now radically different. Windows are going back in, architectural details are being restored and work inside is proceeding at a fast clip. The plans include 57 market rate apartments, a live music club, a penthouse on the roof and space for retail shops.
The two adjacent buildings will be perfect locations for restaurant and retail amenities that will appeal to both tenants and the general public. Interested potential tenants and renters are already inquiring; the developer is shooting for a late 2015 opening. Learn more at www.downtownshreveport.com.
Liz Swaine is the executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. She can be reached at liz@downtownshreveport.com.
