Shreveport/Bossier City Development

[dimebag1980]

Okay, today I bring news from yesterday's MPC meeting.

1. Island Park Condos were approved
   
2. New Youree Drive shopping center was approved
   
3. Two new phases of Southern Trace were approved. Southern Trace will now almost touch Wallace Lake
   

Another large subdivision, which I can't name right now, is supposed to go up for approval at the July 5 meeting of the MPC. This new subdivision, if approved, will be built near Island Park.

[dimebag1980]

The Times, today, is reporting on the return of JC Penney to Shreveport as part of the new Youree Drive shopping center. We all already knew this, of course, but I figured I'd post the article since it's related news. Obviously JC Penney returning to Shreveport is a big deal, because ever since the one in the old South Park Mall closed, the only one in this area has been in Pierre Bossier Mall and there's not room to add one to Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d.../606130329/1002

[bigboyz05]

The Times, today, is reporting on the return of JC Penney to Shreveport as part of the new Youree Drive shopping center. We all already knew this, of course, but I figured I'd post the article since it's related news. Obviously JC Penney returning to Shreveport is a big deal, because ever since the one in the old South Park Mall closed, the only one in this area has been in Pierre Bossier Mall and there's not room to add one to Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d.../606130329/1002

That's great! With all the employment opportunities has the unemployment rate dropped a lot?

[Mudbugger]

I don't know if the unemployment rate has dipped recently but i think the last month's rate for S/BC was around 3.7 percent.

Well below the national average.

If someone out there has the true numbers please post them here.

I would hate to be accused of posting false info.

Mudbugger

[dimebag1980]

I don't know if the unemployment rate has dipped recently but i think the last month's rate for S/BC was around 3.7 percent.

Well below the national average.

If someone out there has the true numbers please post them here.

I would hate to be accused of posting false info.

Mudbugger

Hey Mudbugger, great to see you again!

I'm not sure about last month, but according to this source, the April unemployment rate in Shreveport-Bossier was 3.6%, down from 3.7% in March. Judging by the following excerpt from the linked source above, the entire state is doing well with low unemployment rates, including Monroe which really surprised me:

"Unadjusted unemployment rates compare parishes and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to the state. The April 2006 unadjusted unemployment rate for Louisiana was 4.1 percent, down from the March 2006 rate of 4.4 percent. The unemployment rates for the MSAs were: Alexandria, 3.4 percent, down from 3.5 percent in March; Baton Rouge, 3.7 down from 4.0; Houma, 3.1, down from 3.3; Lafayette, 2.9, down from 3.1; Lake Charles, 3.2, down from 3.4; Monroe, 3.6, down from 3.8; New Orleans, 5.7, down from 6.1; and Shreveport-Bossier City, 3.6, down from 3.7 percent last month. Three parishes tied for the lowest unemployment rate at 2.7 percent; they were Cameron, Lafayette, and La Salle. East Carroll Parish had the highest unemployment rate with 8.5 percent for April."

Unrelated to Shreveport-Bossier, but extremely impressive and important to Louisiana as a whole, take a look at the last sentence regarding Cameron, Lafayette, and La Salle Parishes. Wow!!!

Edited June 14, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[bigboyz05]

Hey Mudbugger, great to see you again!

I'm not sure about last month, but according to this source, the April unemployment rate in Shreveport-Bossier was 3.6%, down from 3.7% in March. Judging by the following excerpt from the linked source above, the entire state is doing well with low unemployment rates, including Monroe which really surprised me:

"Unadjusted unemployment rates compare parishes and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to the state. The April 2006 unadjusted unemployment rate for Louisiana was 4.1 percent, down from the March 2006 rate of 4.4 percent. The unemployment rates for the MSAs were: Alexandria, 3.4 percent, down from 3.5 percent in March; Baton Rouge, 3.7 down from 4.0; Houma, 3.1, down from 3.3; Lafayette, 2.9, down from 3.1; Lake Charles, 3.2, down from 3.4; Monroe, 3.6, down from 3.8; New Orleans, 5.7, down from 6.1; and Shreveport-Bossier City, 3.6, down from 3.7 percent last month. Three parishes tied for the lowest unemployment rate at 2.7 percent; they were Cameron, Lafayette, and La Salle. East Carroll Parish had the highest unemployment rate with 8.5 percent for April."

Unrelated to Shreveport-Bossier, but extremely impressive and important to Louisiana as a whole, take a look at the last sentence regarding Cameron, Lafayette, and La Salle Parishes. Wow!!!

You said "Judging by the following excerpt from the linked source above, the entire state is doing well with low unemployment rates, including Monroe which really surprised me." Has Monroe always had high unemployment? Anyway, these stats are very impressive.

[dimebag1980]

You said "Judging by the following excerpt from the linked source above, the entire state is doing well with low unemployment rates, including Monroe which really surprised me." Has Monroe always had high unemployment? Anyway, these stats are very impressive.

Monroe is a city going through a strange transition and has recently lost some major employers, the biggest of which was State Farm Insurance. State Farm had a huge claims center in Monroe, but it was closed a couple years ago. I frequent a Monroe online forum and all the people talk about is how bad the economy has gotten over there. Most of them look to Shreveport-Bossier for leadership, which I'm proud to know. They are looking into the possibilty of allowing casino gambling in that area as a means of helping to revitalize the economy and they've even talked about building something similar to the Boardwalk as well. They've even thrown around the concept of an amusement park, which I hate to say I believe is a virtually impossible pipe dream at best. I do hope it all works out for Monroe, and I'm certainly surprised by their low rate of unemployment given the negativity they have toward their area's current economy.

[Mith242]

Monroe is a city going through a strange transition and has recently lost some major employers, the biggest of which was State Farm Insurance. State Farm had a huge claims center in Monroe, but it was closed a couple years ago. I frequent a Monroe online forum and all the people talk about is how bad the economy has gotten over there. Most of them look to Shreveport-Bossier for leadership, which I'm proud to know. They are looking into the possibilty of allowing casino gambling in that area as a means of helping to revitalize the economy and they've even talked about building something similar to the Boardwalk as well. They've even thrown around the concept of an amusement park, which I hate to say I believe is a virtually impossible pipe dream at best. I do hope it all works out for Monroe, and I'm certainly surprised by their low rate of unemployment given the negativity they have toward their area's current economy.

If they take the gambling route maybe they'll end up going after all the people in the area who probably go over to Tunica.

[dimebag1980]

If they take the gambling route maybe they'll end up going after all the people in the area who probably go over to Tunica.

Their biggest concern is that they're competing with three major markets: Shreveport-Bossier, Vicksburg, and Tunica. My thought, however, is just let them try it. If a casino operator can make it in their area, great; if a casino operator cannot make it in their area, it will be a loss on his part and not the city's.

[fridayinla]

Uptown Shopping Center on Line Avenue is getting a $4 to $5 million renovation and new tenants, including ANOTHER Starbucks:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...EWS01/606190309

One year ago, Shreveport/Bossier didn't have a single stand-alone Starbucks. Now it's about to have four!

Edited June 20, 2006 by fridayinla

[dimebag1980]

Uptown Shopping Center on Line Avenue is getting a $4 to $5 million renovation and new tenants, including ANOTHER Starbucks:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...EWS01/606190309

One year ago, Shreveport/Bossier didn't have a single stand-alone Starbucks. Now it's about to have four!

Thanks for posting this, Friday! I was going to post it myself but haven't been online much today.

Add those 4 stand-alone Starbucks locations to the ones inside the Bossier City Albertson's, the Shreveport SuperTarget, and the Shreveport Barnes & Noble store. Are you also including the recently-opened Airline Drive store in your count? This is an exciting project for me, because I've watched Uptown's ups and downs over the past 7 years that I've been working in that area of Shreveport. Add these new stores to the already-existing Brookshire's, Jason's Deli, Subway, King's Hardware, etc and you're going to have one nice, vibrant shopping center in an area that desperately needs one. South Highlands can't afford to lose this gem across the street from Pierremont Mall, which in itself is something else that neighborhood can't afford to lose.

Edited June 20, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[fridayinla]

Thanks for posting this, Friday! I was going to post it myself but haven't been online much today.

Add those 4 stand-alone Starbucks locations to the ones inside the Bossier City Albertson's, the Shreveport SuperTarget, and the Shreveport Barnes & Noble store. Are you also including the recently-opened Airline Drive store in your count?

The one on Airline and I-20? Got it! Didn't one just open in the VA Hospital too? I'm guessing that location is franchised and very small. All together that will make 8 locations. Shreveport's on a role, and I don't think it's going to stop there.

[dimebag1980]

The one on Airline and I-20? Got it! Didn't one just open in the VA Hospital too? I'm guessing that location is franchised and very small. All together that will make 8 locations. Shreveport's on a role, and I don't think it's going to stop there.

You're right... I forgot about the one in the VA Hospital! It's a kiosk, but it still carries the Starbucks name. That's why I included the ones in Barnes & Noble, SuperTarget, and Albertson's... because they still carry the name.

And yes, the one at Airline & I-20, in front of Pierre Bossier Mall. I really wouldn't be surprised to see one open at Airline & I-220 as well, since they just opened a Walgreen's there and there's also a Walgreen's a mile or so down the road by the mall. Also, a Quizno's has been open for a few years at Airline & Old Minden and there's one planned for Airline at I-220. I'm excited about all these new options. I'm most excited now, though, to see dirt being turned for the new Youree Drive center. It hasn't happened yet, but I know it can't be far off. That company did so well with King's Crossing, they're basically chomping at the bit to get this new center going.

Edited June 20, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[dimebag1980]

I've mentioned that there's a Walgreen's on Airline Drive at Shed Road and one on Airline Drive just north of I-220. I've also mentioned that there's a Quizno's on Airline Drive at Old Minden Road and one planned for Airline Drive just north of I-220. I believe I've even mentioned that there's a Chili's on E. Texas, just off Airline Drive and there's another one planned for Airline Drive norh of I-220. Seeing a pattern here yet?

Well, I caught wind today of yet another IHOP in the planning stages, but I really can't say more than that. All I've been told is that it "could" be in Bossier City. If so, the pattern you see above just may be continuing. There's been an IHOP on Airline Drive for years, right in front of Pierre Bossier Mall. Well, since it seems everything on Airline Drive is duplicating itself north of I-220, I'm making an educated guess here that the new IHOP will be built in that area as well. Again, this is merely speculation on my part, fueled by something mentioned to me this evening over dinner.

I do know that, a couple of years ago, a local IHOP franchisee mentioned he'd be adding 4 new restaurants to this area over the next few years, and the first of them has already opened in the Boardwalk. Adding that to the 3 lcoations that have been open in this area for a while and you have 4 so far... that leaves 3 more to go I believe. I almost said I'd expect to see one on Pines Road, but there's already one right around the corner there so I guess that won't happen.

[richyb83]

You are really on the ball Brian with all the developments going on in SBC . How does a Walgreens now exactly how many stores to build in a metro area without building too many ? Because they are everywhere around here.

[fridayinla]

You are really on the ball Brian with all the developments going on in SBC . How does a Walgreens now exactly how many stores to build in a metro area without building too many ? Because they are everywhere around here.

Most businesses, including Walgreens, choose their locations on demographics, retail sale trends, traffic counts, location of competition. These are the essentials, well, and affordable rental rates (if they're leasing space). You'd be surprised how closely a business can have two locations near each other and not cannabalize each others' sales. In Vancouver, there's an intersection that literally has two Starbucks catty-corner from each other - and they're both always busy! Here in L.A. I know of an area in the valley that has two Ralphs (major grocery stores) within a block of each other... they're so close, but the market can support them both. If the demand's there...

[dimebag1980]

Most businesses, including Walgreens, choose their locations on demographics, retail sale trends, traffic counts, location of competition. These are the essentials, well, and affordable rental rates (if they're leasing space). You'd be surprised how closely a business can have two locations near each other and not cannabalize each others' sales. In Vancouver, there's an intersection that literally has two Starbucks catty-corner from each other - and they're both always busy! Here in L.A. I know of an area in the valley that has two Ralphs (major grocery stores) within a block of each other... they're so close, but the market can support them both. If the demand's there...

There's a similar situation in downtown Houston. There are two Starbucks stores at the same address, but in two different zip codes, and from what I've heard they both do well. I believe one is inside an office tower and one is inside. To verify this information, I once checked the Starbucks website and found it to be true. And just for proof, here's the text copied and pasted from the Starbucks website. Searching locations in Houston on the Starbucks website you will find the following:

8. McKinney & San Jacinto

1200 McKinney

Houston TX, 77002

United States

9. Houston Center

1200 McKinney

Houston TX, 77010

United States

Most businesses, including Walgreens, choose their locations on demographics, retail sale trends, traffic counts, location of competition. These are the essentials, well, and affordable rental rates (if they're leasing space). You'd be surprised how closely a business can have two locations near each other and not cannabalize each others' sales. In Vancouver, there's an intersection that literally has two Starbucks catty-corner from each other - and they're both always busy! Here in L.A. I know of an area in the valley that has two Ralphs (major grocery stores) within a block of each other... they're so close, but the market can support them both. If the demand's there...

By the way, Stephen, I'm not sure if you were aware (althoughI bet you are) that the Grandy's restaurant which sat across from Pierre Bossier Mall, in front of K-Mart, for so many years was demolished earlier this year to make way for a new CVS store.

Edited June 21, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[fridayinla]

By the way, Stephen, I'm not sure if you were aware (althoughI bet you are) that the Grandy's restaurant which sat across from Pierre Bossier Mall, in front of K-Mart, for so many years was demolished earlier this year to make way for a new CVS store.

I love new development, but I think there's nothing better than redevelopment... especially when it's of an under-utilized property. That's smart planning, and in my opinion makes a more quality city. I think the Shreve City redevelopment is a perfect example, and the residential conversion of vacant office buildings downtown. Thanks for sharing Brian, I actually hadn't heard about the new CVS.

[fridayinla]

According to this article, the Convention Center Hilton isn't opening until December now:

Hilton Shreveport management team announced

Anyone know if they're still planning to do that soft opening in November?

[dimebag1980]

According to this article, the Convention Center Hilton isn't opening until December now:

Hilton Shreveport management team announced

Anyone know if they're still planning to do that soft opening in November?

I kind of wonder if this is the soft opening being pushed back, because to be quite honest with you, they're progressing quickly, but shooting to have the full opening December seems very presumptuous in my opinion.

[dimebag1980]

I love new development, but I think there's nothing better than redevelopment... especially when it's of an under-utilized property. That's smart planning, and in my opinion makes a more quality city. I think the Shreve City redevelopment is a perfect example, and the residential conversion of vacant office buildings downtown. Thanks for sharing Brian, I actually hadn't heard about the new CVS.

I'm with you 100% on this. The Shreve City redevelopment means a lot to this city, as you know, and it definitely shows a progressive city. A progressive city not only has to expand out some, but also fights urban decay. And since the Shreve City area is so close to downtown, this is a huge benefit to the center city, the urban core.

[Spartan]

There's a similar situation in downtown Houston. There are two Starbucks stores at the same address, but in two different zip codes, and from what I've heard they both do well. I believe one is inside an office tower and one is inside. To verify this information, I once checked the Starbucks website and found it to be true. And just for proof, here's the text copied and pasted from the Starbucks website. Searching locations in Houston on the Starbucks website you will find the following:

8. McKinney & San Jacinto

1200 McKinney

Houston TX, 77002

United States

9. Houston Center

1200 McKinney

Houston TX, 77010

United States

That site is documented as being the end of the universe, if my memory recalls correctly

[dimebag1980]

That site is documented as being the end of the universe, if my memory recalls correctly

That is exactly correct!! Where did I hear this!?!? Tell me, oh God of South Carolina, where did I hear this...

Edited June 21, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[Spartan]

its from Lewis Black, on his "End of the Universe" CD

[dimebag1980]

its from Lewis Black, on his "End of the Universe" CD

Weird, because I know I didn't hear it there. I wonder if Ron White... actually now I know either Ron White or Bobcat Goldthwaite used it once. I saw both of those guys live, within 1 week of one another, and some of their stuff runs together in my mind. But when I heard it, I know it had to come from one of those guys.