Shreveport/Bossier City Development

[bigboyz05]

No one here is satisfied just getting a SuperTarget store. I don't know what even gave you such a silly idea. :huh:

Shreveport-Bossier have been satisfied with many huge projects, like 6 large casinos and hotels, a new convention center and hotel, Louisiana Boardwalk, numerous large shopping areas, new schools, hospitals, and subdivisions, etc.

By the way, this isn't the San Antonio thread.

I guess you told him/her huh?

[dimebag1980]

I guess you told him/her huh?

Not really trying to... just tired of comparisons between a city of 200,000 and a city of over 1,000,000. There is simply no comparison.

[imaterry78247]

Not really trying to... just tired of comparisons between a city of 200,000 and a city of over 1,000,000. There is simply no comparison.

I can't believe how short sighted some people are. don't you know that other cities are competing agianst SBC for industry. I am not comparing for the sake of comparing but I there is no excuse for Shreveport to be so static= Other cities have long diversified their economies that spark growth. I can name numerous mid size cities in the Southland that are surpassing Shreveport. When the pop is static for thirty years something is wrong their. Bossier city pop has not grown that significant either. The pop of Shreveport s.b at least 300,000 and Bossier s/b at leat 100,000 in the city limits alone. Hey I love SBC as much as you do . I am just tired of the area being the bridesmaid and never the bride.

[Metlife]

Anybody check out Ed Bradley's $1B downtown revitalization plan in the Times today?

[dimebag1980]

Anybody check out Ed Bradley's $1B downtown revitalization plan in the Times today?

I saw that, and was actually getting ready to post the link to it.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d.../608080329/1002

While I don't agree with most of Bradley's platform, I do agree that the downtown area needs more residential options, including condos. However saying the riverfront needs to be revitalized is far from the truth. Our riverfront is gorgeous and is envied by many cities. Barnwell is now being updated, which will fit in with the recent riverfront enhancements nicely. Now outside of the downtown area, we could thin out the trees and underbrush, though, giving better views.

I also disagree with him about our 'gaming' economy. While it's very large here, it's been slacking off over the last few years and we have diversified quite a bit since it came onboard. Yes, it would make a difference, but it wouldn't be the end-all be-all. And since I'm a proponent of casino growth since it's been so good for our local economy, I believe if the size restrictions were removed we would have more casino growth.

Edited August 8, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[dimebag1980]

Here's an item from the Shreveport MPC's September agenda:

C-74-06: 7500 Block of East Kings Highway District: 9/Brown FEIST PROPERTIES, L.L.C.

Feist, Carroll W.

Edited August 8, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[dimebag1980]

Today's issue of the Bossier Press-Tribune outlines the story of the large, upscale residential/commercial development proposed for a site along the ART Parkway in south Bossier City. This project is/was to be a true new-urbanist development, and would be the first of its kind in Bossier City. As it turns out, Linc Coleman came back and said that extending CenturyTel Boulevard through the property would be a decent alternative, but the city council didn't agree with him. In my opinion, Linc Coleman is the developer, and if he thinks extending CenturyTel Boulevard through the property will make for a decent compromise, the city council should allow that. I certainly hope the Bossier City Council doesn't allow this project to slip through their fingers.

Here's an excerpt, which will be followed by a link to the full article:

The city that was once known for its

[dimebag1980]

The Port of Shreveport-Bossier is one of the top three contenders for a $250 million IPSCO, Inc. steel plant and distribution facility. This development would create 200 new jobs and would complement the new Steelscape plant at the Port.

Other contenders for the project are San Antonio, TX and Mobile, AL (where the company has an existing plant.)

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...NGNEWS/60808015

Edited August 8, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[imaterry78247]

I saw that, and was actually getting ready to post the link to it.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d.../608080329/1002

While I don't agree with most of Bradley's platform, I do agree that the downtown area needs more residential options, including condos. However saying the riverfront needs to be revitalized is far from the truth. Our riverfront is gorgeous and is envied by many cities. Barnwell is now being updated, which will fit in with the recent riverfront enhancements nicely. Now outside of the downtown area, we could thin out the trees and underbrush, though, giving better views.

I also disagree with him about our 'gaming' economy. While it's very large here, it's been slacking off over the last few years and we have diversified quite a bit since it came onboard. Yes, it would make a difference, but it wouldn't be the end-all be-all. And since I'm a proponent of casino growth since it's been so good for our local economy, I believe if the size restrictions were removed we would have more casino growth.

Bradley for Mayor. What are Bradley issues that you disagree on?

[Mudbugger]

Will someone please give me a list of Bradley's business and personal accomplishments that merit him being the next mayor?

He is the former general manager of channel 12 and is well known for his on-air editorials.

Aside from that, what qualifies him to be a candidate, let alone mayor?

I have personally sat and talked with candidate Jerry Jones and i have found him to be refreshing in his honesty and his ability to answer my questions. Not like Bradley who, until now, has been living the "let's wait until after qualifying to answer any questions" standpoint.

Heads up Ed, if you don't answer the public's questions, you won't even qualify and where will that get you.

I am taking a pragmatic view on the mayor's race, even though i have decided on whom i am voting for.

This city is so splintered and divided that if it doesn't take place Dowtown or on Youree Dr., the Hightower administration could care less about you.

At least Jerry Jones recognizes the problem of all the businesses fleeing the Southern Hills area.

Arlena Acree and Liz Swaine refuse to even admit the problem. The voters of Southern Hills have had enough of having to go to Youree drive to get any shopping done, we used to go to South Park Mall, oh wait it's been sold to a church, well at least we can go out to eat, no wait... all we have over here is cheap and lame local restaurants that i have visited once because the food is terrible and service is even worse.

Citizens of Southern Hills unite!

If you are sick of seeing the city leaders doing their best to turn this great neighborhood into another "hood" then get up off your butts and do something about it.... vote for real change and not more of the Hightower cronies... Acree and Swaine, say no to the term limited state rep. (Glover) and say no to a dottering old christmas tree salesman (Adams) and vote for someone who actually cares for more than Downtown and Youree drive.... vote for Jerry Jones.

Sorry about the rant, the local media has been drooling for months to try and shove Bradley down our throats and i am sick of it. They conveniently forget the whole "rent a negro" program that was started in the Bradley campaign. This campaign of calling any black who would be seen at a Jerry Jones or Arlena Acree campaing rally. Notice that the media has gone deaf and dumb since then.

Sorry about the rant, just gotta get it out of my system....

Mudbugger

[Metlife]

Maybe we need to start a mayoral thread to keep some continuity in the development thread.

[dimebag1980]

Maybe we need to start a mayoral thread to keep some continuity in the development thread.

Agreed, metlife.

Maybe Mudbugger would like to start a mayoral thread, since he has a lot of good things to say on the issue. I hardly consider the 'Shreveport future' thread to be worthy as it was obviously meant as a joke.

[dimebag1980]

Speaking of new development along E. 70th, as I mentioned earlier... one such development will break ground on Friday: Home Design Center. I've seen the signs up and thought it looked extremely nice. So nice, in fact, I assumed it was some new chain. After a little research, I discovered that if it was a chain they didn't have a website and that was pretty unlikely. So in today's online Times updates there is a story about this new store.

Apparently it's a one-stop shop for all your home design needs, and even an indoor play area for entertaining your children while you shop.

To be honest, while this may not be a chain, I could honestly see this taking off and branching out nationwide. This is an awesome concept, and everything about it screams "chain," including the building's design itself. It's a very classy "box" design that would rival ANY national chain store out there.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...NGNEWS/60808011

[dimebag1980]

The cover of this week's Forum Newsweekly has a photo of a young couple holding up a "sold" sign in front of their new house. The story that corresponds with this photo says:

"North Bossier's Booming; Real estate is reaching its peak in North Bossier as little city land is left for developing."

I will read this magazine, and if I get the chance, this evening I will post the article on my own webpage accound and link to it from here.

[bigboyz05]

Brian, I really hope all those you've mentioned get built.

[dimebag1980]

Okay, I now have the article online...

But first, an excerpt about the new River Bluff development, courtesy of Prudential Agent Jeff Wyatt:

"Phase 1 sold out in six weeks. We thought it would take 18 months."

North Bossier's Booming

Credit goes to The Forum Newsweekly and Tony Taglavore for this article.

Edited August 10, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[richyb83]

Wow, that's good to hear Brian, thanks for posting that ! Living near I-220 definitly has it's advantages. I like living near I-12 myself, it's really easy to zip-across town. They also said schools are a BIG key; where have I heard that before ? I noticed that's ALOT of neighborhoods, I'll have to check that out mapquest . And now the commercial development keeps coming. Airline and 220 sounds like a major business district. I remember it driving thru there a few years back. I'd like to see some pics of River Bluff. Have you taken any pics there ? I'm sorry if I don't remember.

Edited August 10, 2006 by richyb83

[dimebag1980]

Wow, that's good to hear Brian, thanks for posting that ! Living near I-220 definitly has it's advantages. I like living near I-12 myself, it's really easy to zip-across town. They also said schools are a BIG key; where have I heard that before ? I noticed that's ALOT of neighborhoods, I'll have to check that out mapquest . And now the commercial development keeps coming. Airline and 220 sounds like a major business district. I remember it driving thru there a few years back. I'd like to see some pics of River Bluff. Have you taken any pics there ? I'm sorry if I don't remember.

I actually have taken photos at River Bluff but I don't know what ever happened to them. They probably just got mixed in with my other construction photos and pushed aside.

Yeah, living near an interstate or a loop is excellent. I love only about 1/2-mile from I-20 so I understand that completely. And I grew up about 1 mile off I-20 and 2 miles off I-220 in a different part of the area, so hopping on the interstate or the loop to get around has always been part of my life.

As for those neighborhoods, I'm not sure what all you'll be able to find on Mapquest but you may find some. That area changes every time I go out there, and there are so many streets that weren't there this time last year. There are even new shopping strips that weren't there this time last year.

If you drove through that area years ago it would have been nothing but farm land. Even as recently as 5 years ago, most of it was undeveloped. It's changed a lot and I love driving out there just to witness the rapid growth.

The schools are very important, because the Bossier Parish School System consistently ranks among the top systems in the state, so people are moving from Shreveport to Bossier just for the schools in many cases.

[imaterry78247]

I actually have taken photos at River Bluff but I don't know what ever happened to them. They probably just got mixed in with my other construction photos and pushed aside.

Yeah, living near an interstate or a loop is excellent. I love only about 1/2-mile from I-20 so I understand that completely. And I grew up about 1 mile off I-20 and 2 miles off I-220 in a different part of the area, so hopping on the interstate or the loop to get around has always been part of my life.

As for those neighborhoods, I'm not sure what all you'll be able to find on Mapquest but you may find some. That area changes every time I go out there, and there are so many streets that weren't there this time last year. There are even new shopping strips that weren't there this time last year.

If you drove through that area years ago it would have been nothing but farm land. Even as recently as 5 years ago, most of it was undeveloped. It's changed a lot and I love driving out there just to witness the rapid growth.

The schools are very important, because the Bossier Parish School System consistently ranks among the top systems in the state, so people are moving from Shreveport to Bossier just for the schools in many cases.

Why don't Shreveport and Bossier City merge and become one city

[imaterry78247]

I guess you told him/her huh?

Shreveport and Bossier city should merge and become one city

[imaterry78247]

Not really trying to... just tired of comparisons between a city of 200,000 and a city of over 1,000,000. There is simply no comparison.

Hey when Shreveport had a baseball team They played San Antonio. Any city in the Texas League is fair game including Corpus Christi

[dimebag1980]

Speaking of new development along E. 70th, as I mentioned earlier... one such development will break ground on Friday: Home Design Center. I've seen the signs up and thought it looked extremely nice. So nice, in fact, I assumed it was some new chain. After a little research, I discovered that if it was a chain they didn't have a website and that was pretty unlikely. So in today's online Times updates there is a story about this new store.

Apparently it's a one-stop shop for all your home design needs, and even an indoor play area for entertaining your children while you shop.

To be honest, while this may not be a chain, I could honestly see this taking off and branching out nationwide. This is an awesome concept, and everything about it screams "chain," including the building's design itself. It's a very classy "box" design that would rival ANY national chain store out there.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...NGNEWS/60808011

An update on the above story, which I posted 2 days ago. There's another small article about this new center in today's Business section of The Times. This story includes a small rendering, but you can see what I was talking about when I said it looks like it could be a chain store.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d.../608100317/1064

[bigboyz05]

Okay, I now have the article online...

But first, an excerpt about the new River Bluff development, courtesy of Prudential Agent Jeff Wyatt:

"Phase 1 sold out in six weeks. We thought it would take 18 months."

North Bossier's Booming

Credit goes to The Forum Newsweekly and Tony Taglavore for this article.

Phase 1 sold out in 6 weeks. Wow! That's pretty fast! Do you think the day will ever come when Bossier is bigger than Shreveport?

[dimebag1980]

Phase 1 sold out in 6 weeks. Wow! That's pretty fast! Do you think the day will ever come when Bossier is bigger than Shreveport?

That's EXTREMELY fast considering they thought it would take 12x that long (18 months!!!) Basically it sold out in a month and a half when they expected it to take a year and a half. That's fast!

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: unless things change in Shreveport, that day is coming. While quite a bit of Bossier's growth is new growth to the metro, MOST of it is still flight from Shreveport. Bossier City is constricted to the east by Barksdale Air Force Base, but it can continue to grow around Barksdale as it's doing now. Do I WANT to see it? Honestly, no. I think the larger, denser city with the high-rise office buildings should be the big fish in the pond and Bossier City should basically be a sister city. I want Bossier to grow large, but I want Shreveport to remain larger. The ONLY way for that to happen, though, is for Shreveport to shape up!

Edited August 13, 2006 by SBCmetroguy

[dimebag1980]

Construction is set to begin soon (no date given) on the new Orr BMW showroom at 70th & Fern. As it turns out, this is not the property I'd had pegged for this development but rather a property I woul deem unsuitable for such a high-traffic business. I'm extremely pro-development, but I probably would have voted against zoning for this particular business at this already congested location. Next, the question has to be asked: what will become of Orr's existing BMW showroom inside the Auto Mall?

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d.../608120308/1064