Shreveport/Bossier City Development

[Mudbugger]

I don't particularly like councilman Lester but i do respect his calling for some accountability in regards to the funding going to the black hole that is the failed Red River Entertainment district.

By the time we hear any real news as to "where the money went" the particulars in this tragedy will be out of office, et. al. Hightower.

He likes to proclaim that he is responsible for the growth of this city but he is just fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time. I wouldn't go trumpeting the successes in downtown Shreveport because aside from the casinos (which where here before him taking office) and the Sci-Port (same thing), there are no successes in downtown.

Arlena Acree is trying to claim that her leadership is what brought Youree drive up from the ashes. Again this is a case of someone laying claim to something that they had nothing to do with. Councilman Mike Gibson was more responsible for it's growth because he worked with the developers in that area to secure the explosion of growth. What did he get for his trouble? Railroaded out of town with false charges of corruption, thankfully he found a good job in New Mexico.

Sorry about the rant about the political structure of Shreveport but sometimes i just have to vent.

Mudbugger

[dimebag1980]

I don't particularly like councilman Lester but i do respect his calling for some accountability in regards to the funding going to the black hole that is the failed Red River Entertainment district.

By the time we hear any real news as to "where the money went" the particulars in this tragedy will be out of office, et. al. Hightower.

He likes to proclaim that he is responsible for the growth of this city but he is just fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time. I wouldn't go trumpeting the successes in downtown Shreveport because aside from the casinos (which where here before him taking office) and the Sci-Port (same thing), there are no successes in downtown.

Arlena Acree is trying to claim that her leadership is what brought Youree drive up from the ashes. Again this is a case of someone laying claim to something that they had nothing to do with. Councilman Mike Gibson was more responsible for it's growth because he worked with the developers in that area to secure the explosion of growth. What did he get for his trouble? Railroaded out of town with false charges of corruption, thankfully he found a good job in New Mexico.

Sorry about the rant about the political structure of Shreveport but sometimes i just have to vent.

Mudbugger

Hey man, don't feel bad about venting. I will say that I've been impressed with the successes during Hightower's administration; however I do realize that Arlena Acree has been mostly responsible for most of the businesses that Hightower has tooted his own horn about having brought in. If I could still vote in Shreveport, she would be high on my list of candidates for Mayor.

And yes, Mike Gibson was an excellent councilman and he served my district very well. I wrote him a "Thank You" email letter before he left office and he seemed appreciative in his response to me. I only wish he hadn't left Shreveport with such a bad taste in his mouth.

[Metlife]

Seems like Cantina Laredo will be a nice little place to eat and socialize. From what i gathered, it sounds like they prepare your food right in front (ala Shogun's). Can't wait to try it out...

[dimebag1980]

Seems like Cantina Laredo will be a nice little place to eat and socialize. From what i gathered, it sounds like they prepare your food right in front (ala Shogun's). Can't wait to try it out...

That's what it sounds like. A very different experience in Mexican dining in a metro area loaded with Mexican restaurants. And yet not oversaturated, as all the Mexican restaurants in this area seem to do well.

[imaterry78247]

Nice read Brian. Thanks for posting that. It's good to see the economic turnaround happening. I know at one time Shreveport was Louisiana's 2nd largest city(pop.) I didn't realize at the time Shreveport had sunk that deep due to the oil-bust. I am glad to see gambling revenue being put to good use for developments like Festival Plaza and Sci-Port Discovery Ctr. With SBC being the hub of the Ark-La-Tex and far enough from Dallas for major establishments to thrive, I believe the future is bright !

I believe the 1970-Census had Shreveport(2nd) with 182,000 and BR(3rd) with 165,000. I could be wrong ?

Shreveport- Bossier was about the same size of Austin in 1960. What happened? Yes the Fairfield and Line Ave areas is one tf the most beautiful in the South. Shreveport was just a lazy good ole boy towns that the other cities left it behind. I think even Bossier city is beginning to leave Shreveport in the dust. You need a good business mayor who know how tio attract businesses and industry there.

Good food

Poor race relations

[Mudbugger]

I agree with the last post.

We do need a mayor who cares about deveolping the WHOLE city and not just Youree Drive and the downtown area.

I have said it in the past and it bears repeating.

The city of Shreveport has thousands of acres on many major arteries that have yet to be developed.

If Shreveport ever truly wants to grow at any acceptable rate it has to develop the whole city and not just one neighborhood.

Bert Kouns Industrial Loop is the best example i can cite.

One day Youree drive will reach saturation and any new growth must take place somewhere else.

Hopefully the next mayor will see the wisdom of not placing all of your proverbial eggs in the one basket (Youree drive).

Mudbugger

[dimebag1980]

Shreveport- Bossier was about the same size of Austin in 1960. What happened?

I don't know, because in 1960 there was a lot of positive development occurring in Shreveport. Then in the 80s, Dell came to be, transforming Austin forever. No comparison. Two different cities with totally different economic dynamics.

I really take issue with people comparing Shreveport to Austin. If the best comparison someone can come up with is that the two cities were similar in size 46 years ago, it's obviously pretty petty. It just doesn't matter in the world of today.

What matters in the world of today is that Shreveport has come back from a very deep economic depression, and I'm astounded at where the city is today... light years ahead of where it was throughout the mid-to-late 80s and the early 90s. I don't even want to imagine where this city might be today had this economic resurgence not come into play.

Yes the Fairfield and Line Ave areas is one tf the most beautiful in the South. Shreveport was just a lazy good ole boy towns that the other cities left it behind. I think even Bossier city is beginning to leave Shreveport in the dust. You need a good business mayor who know how tio attract businesses and industry there.

Good food

Poor race relations

Yes, race relations here are still pretty bad overall, and unfortunately I just don't see it changing any time soon. I wish I knew what the answer was, but given the amount of uneducated rednecks here in the deep south, I don't even know that there really is an answer.

Bossier City is leaving Shreveport behind, but you have to also consider that Shreveport is experiencing huge growth (relatively speaking) in the southern parts of the city. Along the Red River, new subdivisions, apartments, and condominiums are being constructed; along Youree Drive and Bert Kouns, new shopping centers are being developed; and in extreme south Shreveport, near Wallace Lake and DeSoto Parish, new subdivisions are springing up at a rapid pace while existing subdivisions are expanding just as rapidly.

Bossier City's growth has pushed the city limits so close to the town limits of Benton that there is little visible separation between the two areas along Airline Drive. Clearly the majority of the new population in this area is in north Bossier, and Bossier City is now over 60,000 people with the parish having finally surpassed 100,000 people.

As far as "businesses and industry," I don't know where you're going with that. I'm in no way taking the mayor's side here, but Shreveport has attracted numerous new businesses to the city in recent years, including many call centers and manufacturing facilities. A huge new distribution facility was recently constructed in Shreveport for Ivan Smith furniture and Ashley Furniture; Schwann's recently opened a new distribution facility in Shreveport; Libbey Glass recently opened a new distribution facility in Shreveport; the Port of Shreveport-Bossier has numerous distribution facilities on-site which are all relatively new. Steelscape recently disassembled a plant they owned in California, piece-by-piece, and reconstructed it at the Port. In addition, the company has plans to build, from scratch, several more large buildings at the Port site and have a large operation here. There is even a marine company constructing yachts at the Port now... and that's certainly something you wouldn't have seen here just as recently as one decade ago.

I wish people could get over their fixation with comparing Shreveport to other cities and focus on what has become of the city, and what the city has had to overcome, over the last decade. It's busier and more beautiful than it's been in well over a decade, and will continue to grow for years to come.

[bigboyz05]

Hey Brian! Can you tell me what kind of store is Talbot's?

[dimebag1980]

Hey Brian! Can you tell me what kind of store is Talbot's?

Upscale women's clothing.

[fridayinla]

I don't know, because in 1960 there was a lot of positive development occurring in Shreveport. Then in the 80s, Dell came to be, transforming Austin forever. No comparison. Two different cities with totally different economic dynamics.

I really take issue with people comparing Shreveport to Austin. If the best comparison someone can come up with is that the two cities were similar in size 46 years ago, it's obviously pretty petty. It just doesn't matter in the world of today.

What matters in the world of today is that Shreveport has come back from a very deep economic depression, and I'm astounded at where the city is today... light years ahead of where it was throughout the mid-to-late 80s and the early 90s. I don't even want to imagine where this city might be today had this economic resurgence not come into play.

Yes, race relations here are still pretty bad overall, and unfortunately I just don't see it changing any time soon. I wish I knew what the answer was, but given the amount of uneducated rednecks here in the deep south, I don't even know that there really is an answer.

Bossier City is leaving Shreveport behind, but you have to also consider that Shreveport is experiencing huge growth (relatively speaking) in the southern parts of the city. Along the Red River, new subdivisions, apartments, and condominiums are being constructed; along Youree Drive and Bert Kouns, new shopping centers are being developed; and in extreme south Shreveport, near Wallace Lake and DeSoto Parish, new subdivisions are springing up at a rapid pace while existing subdivisions are expanding just as rapidly.

Bossier City's growth has pushed the city limits so close to the town limits of Benton that there is little visible separation between the two areas along Airline Drive. Clearly the majority of the new population in this area is in north Bossier, and Bossier City is now over 60,000 people with the parish having finally surpassed 100,000 people.

As far as "businesses and industry," I don't know where you're going with that. I'm in no way taking the mayor's side here, but Shreveport has attracted numerous new businesses to the city in recent years, including many call centers and manufacturing facilities. A huge new distribution facility was recently constructed in Shreveport for Ivan Smith furniture and Ashley Furniture; Schwann's recently opened a new distribution facility in Shreveport; Libbey Glass recently opened a new distribution facility in Shreveport; the Port of Shreveport-Bossier has numerous distribution facilities on-site which are all relatively new. Steelscape recently disassembled a plant they owned in California, piece-by-piece, and reconstructed it at the Port. In addition, the company has plans to build, from scratch, several more large buildings at the Port site and have a large operation here. There is even a marine company constructing yachts at the Port now... and that's certainly something you wouldn't have seen here just as recently as one decade ago.

I wish people could get over their fixation with comparing Shreveport to other cities and focus on what has become of the city, and what the city has had to overcome, over the last decade. It's busier and more beautiful than it's been in well over a decade, and will continue to grow for years to come.

Brian, I agree with all of your responses to the comments about Shreveport. The city has changed so much since I moved away 7 years ago, that it's always exciting to visit my family and see the progress everywhere. Also, I agree that you cannot compare a city's economic progress to another - every city has unique economic conditions, and history. The question isn't has a city been able to keep up with the growth of it's neighbor, but how has it been able to make the best of itself. Coming from a city planner's POV - Shreveport/Bossier has made leaps and bounds since the oil bust left it in shambles. Also, the size of a city is NOT indicative of how great it is. Consider Detroit - a huge metropolitan area, but one of the most economically depressed and crime-ridden places you'll ever visit outside of Pakistan. The population (of Detroit proper) has dwindled to a fraction of what it used to be. It's an AWEFUL place. On the flip-side, small city's like Savannah, Georgia, Ashville, North Carolina and Santa Fe, New Mexico are great places to live, with lots of culture and national popularity.

Also, in response to someone's comment about the concentration of development on Youree Drive and downtown as "putting all the eggs in one basket" - I don't agree. Yes, it would nice to have "in-fill" development along those stretches Bert Koun's and other major arteries - but a city's growth pattern happens organically and city officials have VERY little impact on where private developer's want to invest their dollars. Shreveport/Bossier needs a strong urban core and a thriving retail corridor(s). That other ancillary development occurs over time.

[imaterry78247]

Brian, I agree with all of your responses to the comments about Shreveport. The city has changed so much since I moved away 7 years ago, that it's always exciting to visit my family and see the progress everywhere. Also, I agree that you cannot compare a city's economic progress to another - every city has unique economic conditions, and history. The question isn't has a city been able to keep up with the growth of it's neighbor, but how has it been able to make the best of itself. Coming from a city planner's POV - Shreveport/Bossier has made leaps and bounds since the oil bust left it in shambles. Also, the size of a city is NOT indicative of how great it is. Consider Detroit - a huge metropolitan area, but one of the most economically depressed and crime-ridden places you'll ever visit outside of Pakistan. The population (of Detroit proper) has dwindled to a fraction of what it used to be. It's an AWEFUL place. On the flip-side, small city's like Savannah, Georgia, Ashville, North Carolina and Santa Fe, New Mexico are great places to live, with lots of culture and national popularity.

Also, in response to someone's comment about the concentration of development on Youree Drive and downtown as "putting all the eggs in one basket" - I don't agree. Yes, it would nice to have "in-fill" development along those stretches Bert Koun's and other major arteries - but a city's growth pattern happens organically and city officials have VERY little impact on where private developer's want to invest their dollars. Shreveport/Bossier needs a strong urban core and a thriving retail corridor(s). That other ancillary development occurs over time.

In a way I agree with the previous comment but Shreveport has so much upside potential. Shreveport most of all has lost it great business and educational talent to Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. Here in San Antonio it is amazing how much talent here is from Shreveport. Wake up Shreveport get your butt in gear ans start competing for those major conventions and industry looking to relocate. You have GM go after ofther auto plant like Tenn and Alabama has. Redevelop Milam street from downtown to Cross Lake. Promote your Sicilian culture there. Stop thinking about the past mend your race relation fences. the comparsion between cities was done becasue Shreveport has so much potential. Get rid of the D'Artios type mentality.

Stop acting like country pumpkins when you get a restaurant chain that has been in every other city for 10 years when you already have some of the best locally owned restaurant in the country- HerbyK Brocato's etc

[dimebag1980]

In a way I agree with the previous comment but Shreveport has so much upside potential. Shreveport most of all has lost it great business and educational talent to Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. Here in San Antonio it is amazing how much talent here is from Shreveport. Wake up Shreveport get your butt in gear ans start competing for those major conventions and industry looking to relocate. You have GM go after ofther auto plant like Tenn and Alabama has. Redevelop Milam street from downtown to Cross Lake. Promote your Sicilian culture there. Stop thinking about the past mend your race relation fences. the comparsion between cities was done becasue Shreveport has so much potential. Get rid of the D'Artios type mentality.

Stop acting like country pumpkins when you get a restaurant chain that has been in every other city for 10 years when you already have some of the best locally owned restaurant in the country- HerbyK Brocato's etc

Shreveport has lost a lot of talent over the years, and I wish there was a good way to keep that talent here. But the allure of larger cities will always be there, and people will always follow their dreams to larger cities and hotbeds for talent, such as Hollywood and Nashville.

LSU-Shreveport and Louisiana Tech are in discussions about a possible merger, which could take years but would be a great asset to Shreveport. One of the reasons Shreveport loses so much talent is because there isn't a major university here; people from Shreveport typically wind up going off to college and then settling into the college city or town they ended up in and becoming a benefit to that area.

About redeveloping Milam Street, though, that's an impossible request. That's like telling Los Angeles to redevelop South Central into a nice area, or Chicago to redevelop south Chicago into a nice area... it's just not feasible.

Every small-to-medium city in the nation, when it gets certain chain stores for the first time, gets excited. Even larger cities get that way when certain stores come into their areas. What these new chain stores and restaurants mean to Shreveport-Bossier is that the people of this area no longer have to drive long distances, to places like Dallas, just to shop or dine at these establishments. It signifies Shreveport has finally begun to catch up to the rest of the country, and that the city's economy has finally recovered. And now this area is becoming a multi-store market for many of these chains, further signifying a stable local economy.

[richyb83]

Well said Brian.

Getting new stores/restuarants for the first time is exciting. It's time that our cities SBC/BR get there props too !

[bigboyz05]

Upscale women's clothing.

Thanks Brian! I asked because there's a rumor that Texarkana may be getting a Talbot's.

[dimebag1980]

Thanks Brian! I asked because there's a rumor that Texarkana may be getting a Talbot's.

I wouldn't be surprised. My guess would be off Richmond Rd.

[dimebag1980]

Well said Brian.

Getting new stores/restuarants for the first time is exciting. It's time that our cities SBC/BR get there props too !

Thanks, Richy... I know coming from Baton Rouge, you can understand as well. You guys are also getting more and more national chains. You are getting chains that New Orleans has had for at least a decade, but it's still exciting. And as well, it means you don't have to go to New Orleans just to visit those establishments.

On the same note, you guys have also become a multi-store market for many national retailers, as is being shown once again in the Millerville Rd. area.

[richyb83]

BR's new "hip" upscale Towne Center is anchored by Whole Foods. Restuartants like P.F.Changs, Carrabas, Fleming's Steakhouse, etc. are all new to the BR market. That's when I began too see BR take that step to the next level. I'd have to post a map for you to see where all this new development is, in the geograhic center of BR. It's the largest undevelopment chunk of land you'll ever see in a city BR's size. The city actually grew completely around this area. Now it's the hottest prime real estate going here.

I believe you mentioned some of those same restaurants down the newer section of the Youree corridor.

Edited July 15, 2006 by richyb83

[imaterry78247]

BR's new "hip" upscale Towne Center is anchored by Whole Foods. Restuartants like P.F.Changs, Carrabas, Fleming's Steakhouse, etc. are all new to the BR market. That's when I began too see BR take that step to the next level. I'd have to post a map for you to see where all this new development is, in the geograhic center of BR. It's the largest undevelopment chunk of land you'll ever see in a city BR's size. The city actually grew completely around this area. Now it's the hottest prime real estate going here.

I believe you mentioned some of those same restaurants down the newer section of the Youree corridor.

Shreveport- Bossier, definitely needs an Whole Food Store. Is there any new high rise condo in SBC? What are the major new subdivision in the area. South Lakeshore Drive could be a monster for development!!!1

Is Jesuit High School still open there.

Hearne & Jewela Rd need some sprucing

Whatever happened to Stan'sRecord Shop- Probably the greatest record shop of all time

North Shreveport could be a monster also. What major oil companies are HQ in SBC since you say it took it on the chin during the oil bust. The bust was over 20 years ago

[Metlife]

Stan's Records? Man, you've been away for awhile. That chain faded away...probably 15-20 years ago.

[dimebag1980]

Shreveport- Bossier, definitely needs an Whole Food Store. Is there any new high rise condo in SBC? What are the major new subdivision in the area. South Lakeshore Drive could be a monster for development!!!1

Is Jesuit High School still open there.

Hearne & Jewela Rd need some sprucing

Whatever happened to Stan'sRecord Shop- Probably the greatest record shop of all time

North Shreveport could be a monster also. What major oil companies are HQ in SBC since you say it took it on the chin during the oil bust. The bust was over 20 years ago

Either Whole Foods or Fresh Market is rumored for the new Provenance development in extreme south Shreveport, near the new Southern Loop/I-49 interchange, not far from Wallace Lake. I can't remember which restaurant was the subject of the rumor, but it was one of these. Sorry, I see that I erroneously said "restaurant," I meant "store."

Key, a large oil exploration company, is based in Bossier City, as well as a few other oil exploration companies that are based out of this area. But not much is based here in the way of the oil business anymore, with the exception of a handful of large outfits like Smith Oil. The oil business has picked up greatly around here, and pumps that haven't run in forever are running again. But you won't see any large oil companies moving their headquarters here, like Standard Oil once did. It's widely known now, that the oil business here is shaky at best.

Hearne & Jewella will never be fixed up. Those streets are long-dead and crime along that corridor is out of control. That area has been lost to crime, and will never be back. While we're at it, though, why don't we try and spruce up Cedar Grove as well? I mean, surely there's some way we can turn that neighborhood back into a desirable suburb again, right? Nope, it'll never happen. We're not talking about simple tasks here, but rather impossible tasks.

Sure, the oil bust was about 20 years ago. The funk Shreveport was left in was so deeply-rooted that it took well over a decade to pull out of. Shreveport is undoubtedly at one of the best points in its history right now. You want to see signs of progress here? Check out the high-rise Hilton convention center hotel being constructed on the north end of downtown. This is the most visible sign of progress (because it can be seen from a good distance) since the casino industry was building hotels left and right. That crane is a beautiful sight downtown, and no one in their right mind - who has been to Shreveport recently, anyway - can see that tall hotel being constructed and think there's no progress occurring here. Likewise, no one in their right mind can drive out Airline Drive, Youree Drive, Pines Road, I-49 south, Benton Road, Hwy 80, Barksdale Blvd, Clyde Fant Parkway, Arthur Ray Teague parkway, etc, and not see that this area is growing by leaps and bounds.

And yes, Stan's Records is long-gone. And if it weren't, it would certainly be struggling right now as records (with the exception of collectibles) aren't exactly a hot item these days. We live in the age of the MP3 and satellite radio now... record stores are few and far between.

Edited July 16, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[fridayinla]

My favorite foods store in the world! Wow, even the possibility of a Whole Foods in Shreveport is a testament to the city's progress. They're mostly located in upscale neighborhoods of large markets. How is the Provenence development coming along by the way... I know they're still constructing Phase I, but I'm never able to find current news online about it.

[fridayinla]

Check out the high-rise Hilton convention center hotel being constructed on the north end of downtown. This is the most visible sign of progress (because it can be seen from a good distance) since the casino industry was building hotels left and right. That crane is a beautiful sight downtown, and no one in their right mind - who has been to Shreveport recently, anyway - can see that tall hotel being constructed and think there's no progress occurring here.

Has the hotel's steel frame construction topped out? The only way I can see it is from Praeses's convention center webcam... and it's hard to tell. If they're planning a soft opening sometime this year, I know it should be close!!

[fridayinla]

I found this online. Pretty funny and thought I'd share:

Just for the record though, I think Ken Hightower has done great things for Shreveport.

[imaterry78247]

Has the hotel's steel frame construction topped out? The only way I can see it is from Praeses's convention center webcam... and it's hard to tell. If they're planning a soft opening sometime this year, I know it should be close!!

Is there any hi rise been built outside of downtown Shreveport? Shreveport must be a ghetto city and nice subdivison city. This tell me that Shreveport may need a black mayor aka Nagin to turn around the city or Buddy skirt chaser Roemer to do it.

There must be a lot of poverty in Shreveport

[fridayinla]

Is there any hi rise been built outside of downtown Shreveport? Shreveport must be a ghetto city and nice subdivison city. This tell me that Shreveport may need a black mayor aka Nagin to turn around the city or Buddy skirt chaser Roemer to do it.

There must be a lot of poverty in Shreveport

Shreveport/Bossier has 23 high-rise buildlings. Outside of downtown Shreveport there is the Horeshoe Casino hotel across the river in "downtown" Bossier City. Also, on the Shreveport side there is the VA Hospital, LSU Medical Center and the Fairfield Tower, all of which are 12-stories high.

Shreveport has a beautiful riverfront district in the central city. Bossier's side is arguably even nicer. Both are only getting better. It's not "ghetto" at all. And by the way, the city has already been "turned around". Have you read any of the posts from this forum in last few days? The local city leaders are doing an incredible job. It doesn't need anyone like Ray Nagin or Buddy Roemer.