Many downtown projects in works for this year
Several days ago a reporter called to get an update on a project downtown.
Thirty minutes later, we were still talking. One project led to another and another until his ink ran out, his typing fingers numbed or another story called. He was excited and so was I, it was a great thing not to have to struggle to come up with details about long-awaited downtown projects and events.
As I rattled them all off to him, I knew that this was information to share with everyone interested in an increasingly vibrant city center.
You don’t need a reporter’s note pad to be in the know, just read along for the latest scoop. There is construction aplenty in the 600 and 700 blocks of Texas Street and more to come. The former Sears building, now the Lofts at 624, is at the epicenter of the action.
The three buildings that comprise the project, 616, 620 and 624 Texas, are at various stages of completion and are looking fabulous. The 100,000-plus square feet will include market rate apartments ranging from small studios to two-level lofts, retail, commercial and office space. Seasons Salon and Events, Rhino Coffee, Tips on Texas – a live music venue – a yoga studio and other restaurants, are all slated for the space. Walls are up, floors are down, chandeliers are hanging and an awning mimicking the original on the building is in place.
People eager to live in downtown newest “old” space are already putting dibs on the different units, so 2016 will be the Lofts at 624’s year to shine.
Locally-loved restauranteur Jason Brady is overseeing the buildout of 708 Texas for his new concept, Parish Tacaeux.
The eatery will be a take on classic street tacos with a Southern twist rounded out by great salads and daily specials. Parish Tacaeux will share a wall with artspace, 710 Texas, so you can nosh and enjoy art and fun exhibits from one location. Target opening: March.
4 J’s Java and More (605 Texas) is rehabbing the second floor of their building for additional restaurant space, and both Crystal Stairs (601 Texas) and Abby Singer’s Bistro (617 Texas) are going strong.
Relatively soon the two-block area will be home to six very special – and very unique – non-chain restaurants. Robinson Film Center, downtown’s premiere spot for films and fun, will hang a new movie marquee; something missing from downtown for 40-plus years. RFC is also planning a huge “get to know us” event in 2016 to which the entire region will be invited.
Earthmovers are pushing dirt in the 1200 block of Marshall Street where the region’s largest microbrewery tap room is going in. Red River Brewing Company started off small but is going big time in a historic building that overlooks the downtown skyline. Their plans include brew as well as a space for food trucks and entertainment. Target opening: March.
The former Selber Bros. Department Store is transforming into office space for Venyu Solutions, a major player who will be moving their staff from Bossier into their new downtown digs. Venyu will have additional space for other businesses that need major electrical and fiber redundancy and the welcome mat is out. Target opening: 2016.
The Petroleum Tower building, the once-impressive but now down-on-itsluck office building at 415 Edwards, is seeing new hope and prospects at the hands of a North Carolina developer who has hung in for the long haul. Instead of sitting vacant and blighted, the building is slated to be transformed into market rate apartments and commercial space with a dash of parking in the mix, too. Target opening: Construction to start 2016.
Greg Solomon’s artfully-imagined historic apartment building in the 700 block of Edwards Street is close to completion and offers the unexpected lagniappe of adjacent inside parking. Isn’t it easy now to see how a five-minute conversation with the reporter could go 30?
Next month: What’s on the horizon for downtown.
Liz Swaine is the executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. She can be reached at liz@downtownshreveport.com.
