Board: Millennials may be key to reviving
Plans to redevelop Bossier City’s old downtown have been considered for years, so it would be easy enough to pay little attention to the city’s recently announced Downtown Revisioning Project.
A short review of the city’s annual reports recall the 1987 establishment of a joint task force with Louisiana Tech University to assist with the Downtown Development Authority’s redevelopment plans. The 1988 report detailed the DDA’s work to assist businesses in the district participate in a state program that resulted in improvements in the area, and a “River Cities Project” was announced to begin in late 1989. A master plan study was completed in 1989, and there was a focus on Cane’s Landing. By 1993, the DDA had pretty much fizzled, as casinos arrived on Bossier’s riverbanks. A short-lived resurgence in redevelopment came with consideration of locating Bossier Parish Community College in the area, but that plan also fizzled as the school was eventually located along Hwy. 80 in east Bossier City.
So what sets the city’s new Downtown Revisioning Project apart from previous plans to reinvigorate and redevelop old Bossier?
First, there’s board support for this project. The plan was presented at the Bossier City Council’s July 7 meeting by local architect Mike McSwain and Sean Sims, president of SK Studios in Kansas City, Mo. McSwain and Sims started with the basis for considering “re-envisioning” old Bossier.
McSwain explained the catalyst for this new initiative came after the Computer Science Corporation chose Bossier City over Lincoln, Neb., city officials asked about what Lincoln had to offer.
It seems that one of Lincoln’s big draws is the city’s Haymarket District – an old industrial area that’s been revitalized and, among other amenities, includes restaurants, hotels, shops, grocery offerings and apartments. This district is a big draw for the millennial population, which is also the population on which the technology industry heavily relies for an employee base.
McSwain and Sims discussed results of their study to determine local millennial interests, finding a preference for independent retail, unique eateries and an environment that allows for work and play elements in a more “green and progressive” setting. Also high on the millennial appeal list: a “vibrant town center” gathering space, the ability to live, work, play and eat within walking distance, and the opportunity to be in the heart of a village with all aspects of living, but not on the scale of a big city.
Bossier City has an area in its old downtown that’s been waiting for a renovation – and it won’t just appeal to millennials. A growing number of seniors are also looking to scale back and live in a more accessible environment. And then there are visitors to Bossier who will find such an environment an entertaining area to spend a day or week.
Second and perhaps more important of the reasons why this plan to redevelop old Bossier will move forward briskly and successfully: funding.
At the council’s July 7 meeting, council members voted to appropriate $3.5 million from the city’s 2014 Utility Bond Issue to fund the design and construction of new utility lines for the Downtown Revisioning Project. The Council’s July 24 meeting agenda includes introduction of ordinances:
– That would continue the city’s purchase of properties in the district.
– Allow for execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the state Department of Transportation & Development and Bossier relative to right-sizing Barksdale Boulevard.
– Appropriate $7 million to engineer the civil and electrical site design.
– Construct improvements for the reenvisioning plan.
Bossier City residents can expect this project to move along quickly. And while the planning area is fairly large, McSwain and Sims identified the starting point, and initial improvements to get the project started, commencing with an initial plaza space and a new retail street off of Barksdale Boulevard. This phase also includes significant improvement to Barksdale Boulevard and utility work. Streetscaping and bike lanes will count as big improvements to the area. A couple of new buildings are planned by commercial interests in the area; planners see a synergy evolving as new additions to this area join existing businesses.
The McSwain-Sims presentation is available at bossiercity.org (City Council July 7 meeting) – and it’s well worth a look. Old Bossier is about to see big changes that we can all enjoy.
Marty Carlson, a freelance writer, has been covering local news for the past 17 years. She can be reached via email at martycarlson1218@ gmail.com.
