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What is that "upscale" Wal-Mart Supercenter like? I tried to find photos online... no luck. I can't wait to see other large national (and possibly more "upscale") tenants announce new locations in Shreve City.

I've never been inside it, but on the outside it's just really nice and well-designed. It's really hard to explain, but it's one of the classiest Wal-Mart stores I've ever seen.

One Supercenter in Plano, TX has a sushi bar in it. I've not been to that one, but next time I'm in DFW I'm going to try and find it.

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The Shreveport-Bossier housing market has softened, keeping with a national trend. I suppose it was only a matter of time, since it's been a nationwide trend for a while now but Shreveport-Bossier just kept moving along.

This actually kind of comes as a surprise to me, though, with all the residential developments we still have going on and the fact that Tuscany Crossing and Tuscany Villas sold completely out in virtually no time.

The average home price in Shreveport-Bossier, as well as some areas of DeSoto and Webster Parishes, was $102,514 in 2003 and only 3 years later it's $149,000. That's a jump of nearly $47,000 in just three years. The national average has dropped to $120,000.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...EWS01/612030321

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The Shreveport-Bossier housing market has softened, keeping with a national trend. I suppose it was only a matter of time, since it's been a nationwide trend for a while now but Shreveport-Bossier just kept moving along.

This actually kind of comes as a surprise to me, though, with all the residential developments we still have going on and the fact that Tuscany Crossing and Tuscany Villas sold completely out in virtually no time.

The average home price in Shreveport-Bossier, as well as some areas of DeSoto and Webster Parishes, was $102,514 in 2003 and only 3 years later it's $149,000. That's a jump of nearly $47,000 in just three years. The national average has dropped to $120,000.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.d...EWS01/612030321

I figured it would happen, and goes with what people have been predicting. I think the SBC area values won't be hurt too bad -- they haven't gone on a crazy boom of new housing like other areas of the country.

Just like other investments, houses can lose value too

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Here is an article about a possible GM expansion in Shreveport. GM wants to build "a new truck product" in Shreveport and they are wanting the local authorities to eliminate sales and use taxes on purchases of manufacturing equipment. Let's hope that our local authorities help GM make a $70 million expansion in Shreveport an easy decision. This is what we need, more growth.

GM eyes Shreveport plant for new truck product

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Here is an article about a possible GM expansion in Shreveport. GM wants to build "a new truck product" in Shreveport and they are wanting the local authorities to eliminate sales and use taxes on purchases of manufacturing equipment. Let's hope that our local authorities help GM make a $70 million expansion in Shreveport an easy decision. This is what we need, more growth.

GM eyes Shreveport plant for new truck product

I'll read the article later when I get a chance, but a $70 million expansion would be excellent. It's only been a few years since their nearly $1 billion expansion of their Shreveport plant. I think these expansions say a lot about the strength of this plant.

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In this month's SB magazine, they have a "farewell" interview with Keith Hightower.

In this article Hightower mentions how his administration met with Target officials back in '99 to discuss opening a store here. Once Target officials visited the region, they wondered how they could have ever missed a market this size. Of course, I have that answer for them: Shreveport was basically off the map during all of the 80s and was just now trying to make a comeback in the 90s.

Target officials quickly decided to open their first store here, in the form of a SuperTarget, on Youree Drive. Hightower points out that Target will eventually have three stores in this market. Though he doesn't name locations, I can name all three of Target's SBC locations - present and future: Youree Drive SuperTarget, Airline Drive Target (will become SuperTarget within a couple of years,) and Pines Road/West 70th Target (I believe this will remain a regular Target store but I'm not completely certain.)

He also makes mention of the new tenants coming to Youree Drive. It seems I was right in my assumption that the large sporting goods store would be Dick's, but as it turns out the bookstore will be Books A Million. I suppose it makes sense, since Books A Million has been in Shreveport for years but had to close their Jewella Avenue location since everything else around them closed. This leaves me to wonder if Borders will end up building in Shoppes at Bellemead. All I can do is speculate, but my gut instinct is to think that this will be the case. Only time will tell for sure, though. All I can say is, I know Borders builds a really nice bookstore; but I've never been pleased with Books A Million. While I like their layout, their stores - in my opinion - often leave a lot to be desired. I can only hope this Youree Drive location is the exception and is very upscale.

He also specifically named Capital Grille, PF Chang's, LaMadeleine, TGI Friday's, Kohl's, JC Penney, and Buffalo Wild Wings, and DSW shoes.

The article also went on to make mention of the area's fifth Wal-Mart Supercenter helping to revive the Shreve City area, and even briefly mentioned the growth in north Bossier.

One thing this article says is something I never knew: Alexandria has been a hotter convention market than Shreveport-Bossier until Shreveport built the new convention center! I'd never have guessed that. Alexandria is MUCH smaller than Shreveport-Bossier, but obviously they have a nicer and more modern facility than our old Expo Hall. I'm glad to know we've moved ahead of them and built the second-largest convention center in the state!

In 1994, when the casino industry was first beginning to set up shop here, Shreveport saw a total of 24,600 crimes that year alone. Last year, 2005, Shreveport recorded only 15,122 crimes. That's quite a drop, and is only one of many ways in which the added jobs of the casino industry have helped this region over the last decade.

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He also makes mention of the new tenants coming to Youree Drive. It seems I was right in my assumption that the large sporting goods store would be Dick's, but as it turns out the bookstore will be Books A Million. I suppose it makes sense, since Books A Million has been in Shreveport for years but had to close their Jewella Avenue location since everything else around them closed. This leaves me to wonder if Borders will end up building in Shoppes at Bellemead. All I can do is speculate, but my gut instinct is to think that this will be the case. Only time will tell for sure, though. All I can say is, I know Borders builds a really nice bookstore; but I've never been pleased with Books A Million. While I like their layout, their stores - in my opinion - often leave a lot to be desired. I can only hope this Youree Drive location is the exception and is very upscale.

He also specifically named Capital Grille, PF Chang's, LaMadeleine, TGI Friday's, Kohl's, JC Penney, and Buffalo Wild Wings, and DSW shoes.

Well, looks like we got 1 of 2 - the better restaurant :yahoo: (Capital Grille), but the second-choice bookstore <_< . Although, Books A Million may step it up for this upscale shopping center. I agree that Borders may be considering Shoppes at Bellemead as their location. I wonder though - can that retail corridor of Youree Drive support THREE major bookstores in such a close proximity?.... maybe.

One thing this article says is something I never knew: Alexandria has been a hotter convention market than Shreveport-Bossier until Shreveport built the new convention center! I'd never have guessed that. Alexandria is MUCH smaller than Shreveport-Bossier, but obviously they have a nicer and more modern facility than our old Expo Hall. I'm glad to know we've moved ahead of them and built the second-largest convention center in the state!

I was aware that Alexandria had a better convention market, but glad Shreveport has now repositioned itself above Alexandria - and rightfully so!! My mother's family is from Pineville/Alexandria, so I get the displeasure of driving through around the holidays. That city is a stagnant cesspool. :sick:

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New renderings of the Robinson Film Center on Texas Street!!!! I've been looking forward to this project for a couple years now. I'm a big fan of independent and foreign film, and I'm glad to see Shreveport will have such a nice venue. :)

Street Facade 1

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Street Facade 2

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Winebar & Bistro (I hope this is a full-service restaurant)

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Grande Theatre

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Celebrity Theatre (with one of my favorite movies "Amelie", on-screen)

211147972.jpg

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Well, looks like we got 1 of 2 - the better restaurant (Capital Grille), but the second-choice bookstore. Although, Books A Million may step it up for this upscale shopping center. I agree that Borders may be considering Shoppes at Bellemead as their location. I wonder though - can that retail corridor of Youree Drive support THREE major bookstores in such a close proximity?.... maybe.

All we can do is find out. I'd say yes, but then again I WANT them to all do well. :)

My mother's family is from Pineville/Alexandria, so I get the displeasure of driving through around the holidays. That city is a stagnant cesspool.

Don't let Rardy hear you say that! :lol:

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Don't let Rardy hear you say that! :lol:

Too late. :ph34r:

Alexandria does have a major convention economy, but that's mostly because 3+ major denominations have state headquarters there and have annual religious conventions that draw thousands from across the state.

Plus, Alexandria is the central location for other statewide events, making it favored over cities in the corners like Lake Charles and SBC (but not NOLA).

Cool renderings for the film center. Question, though. Why did they show the theater as like a fifth full??

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Too late. :ph34r:

Alexandria does have a major convention economy, but that's mostly because 3+ major denominations have state headquarters there and have annual religious conventions that draw thousands from across the state.

Plus, Alexandria is the central location for other statewide events, making it favored over cities in the corners like Lake Charles and SBC (but not NOLA).

Cool renderings for the film center. Question, though. Why did they show the theater as like a fifth full??

I guess that makes sense. I know the Louisiana Masonic Grand Lodge is located there, because Alexandria is the halfway point in Louisiana. For that reason (location, location, location!) I'm really surprised Alexandria isn't much larger than it is.

About the theater: Maybe to show off the seats or something? lol I have no idea, but I hadn't even really noticed that until now.

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And for those who may wonder just how wealthy some people in Shreveport are, here's a Google Earth shot of a house of a man I don't know personally but know of. I won't say who he is, or even what street this is, for his own privacy, but compare this house to the others located all around and you can see that it's enormous. This house was originally constructed for $5 million, but that should have at least doubled to $10 million with his last expansion. This house is nearly 30,000 square feet, which is large enough to be a nice-sized office complex.

post-9805-1165455659_thumb.jpg

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And for those who may wonder just how wealthy some people in Shreveport are, here's a Google Earth shot of a house of a man I don't know personally but know of. I won't say who he is, or even what street this is, for his own privacy, but compare this house to the others located all around and you can see that it's enormous. This house was originally constructed for $5 million, but that should have at least doubled to $10 million with his last expansion. This house is nearly 30,000 square feet, which is large enough to be a nice-sized office complex.

post-9805-1165455659_thumb.jpg

That's pretty impressive. It looks like most of the house is behind the front facade, which may make it unassuming from the front view. I didn't know there was anything quite that oppulent in Shreveport.

I do know they've got some rich folks in the Ellerbe area, and some places in South Highlands. Some of the mansions off of Line avenue, near the fire station are very impressive. I love driving through there

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That's pretty impressive. It looks like most of the house is behind the front facade, which may make it unassuming from the front view. I didn't know there was anything quite that oppulent in Shreveport.

I do know they've got some rich folks in the Ellerbe area, and some places in South Highlands. Some of the mansions off of Line avenue, near the fire station are very impressive. I love driving through there

You're right, it looks as if it would appear smaller from the front. Very much unlike the house an oilman recently built in SpringLake when I was living over there. It takes up a huge corner lot on a hill that went undeveloped for years, and you know from quite a distance just how huge thta house is. I wouldn't even venture to guess how big it is or how much it cost.

Yes, many of those old mansions in South Highlands are very impressive. I actually drove by them this evening after going to the Dee's Photo shop in Uptown. I also love the homes lining Fairfield. Very impressive in design and stature.

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And for those who may wonder just how wealthy some people in Shreveport are, here's a Google Earth shot of a house of a man I don't know personally but know of. I won't say who he is, or even what street this is, for his own privacy, but compare this house to the others located all around and you can see that it's enormous. This house was originally constructed for $5 million, but that should have at least doubled to $10 million with his last expansion. This house is nearly 30,000 square feet, which is large enough to be a nice-sized office complex.

post-9805-1165455659_thumb.jpg

Yeah, that's pretty cool when your house can dwarf your pool and tennis court!!!

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Cool renderings for the film center. Question, though. Why did they show the theater as like a fifth full??

cause they are being realistic..I mean....who the hell is going to go to see a movie downtown? Whens the last time you saw a cop downtown during the day....OR at night? Lets also think about parking. Not to mention places nearby to eat. Thats what this theatre will be lacking. Security/parking/nearby food eateries.

Its just another failed attempt to try to bring life into that part of downtown. If business isnt taking off closest to the casinos along the riverfront then it SURE as heck isnt going to take off the further you get away from them.

I wish they would build some condos or apartments close to the riverfront, because people WANT to live near water, thats just a fact.

but hey...whatever. what do I know? Heres what, I wont live in a re-made ghetto apartment complex down town and im not going to go see a movie downtown without lighted parking.

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cause they are being realistic..I mean....who the hell is going to go to see a movie downtown? Whens the last time you saw a cop downtown during the day....OR at night? Lets also think about parking. Not to mention places nearby to eat. Thats what this theatre will be lacking. Security/parking/nearby food eateries.

Its just another failed attempt to try to bring life into that part of downtown. If business isnt taking off closest to the casinos along the riverfront then it SURE as heck isnt going to take off the further you get away from them.

I wish they would build some condos or apartments close to the riverfront, because people WANT to live near water, thats just a fact.

but hey...whatever. what do I know? Heres what, I wont live in a re-made ghetto apartment complex down town and im not going to go see a movie downtown without lighted parking.

This isn't a regular movie theater, it's more of a arts theater. It will be at least half full at most showings, no doubt.

And the West Edge has already taken off, with new businesses opening all the time. This is not the kind of district you're going to see "ghetto" people in, and it certainly isn't the kind of district you're going to see very many tourists in. Most casino tourists don't leave the riverfront, only the hardcore arts lovers will venture into the West Edge. The whole purpose of the West Edge is to continue the development of the arts in Shreveport-Bossier, catering mostly to locals. It's not meant to attract throngs of tourists, but rather to continue development of an arts-related district. Shreveport-Bossier is very heavily rooted in the arts, as is evidenced by the billboards showcasing local artists' works, the murals located all over our twin cities, and the artistic city buses.

Robinson Film Center isn't supposed to be like Tinseltown, and the West Edge district isn't supposed to be like the riverfront or Boardwalk. These are cultural attractions with a "think outside of the box" approach that only the open-minded will enjoy; therefore most of Shreveport-Bossier will never even give it a second look.

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cause they are being realistic..I mean....who the hell is going to go to see a movie downtown? Whens the last time you saw a cop downtown during the day....OR at night? Lets also think about parking. Not to mention places nearby to eat. Thats what this theatre will be lacking. Security/parking/nearby food eateries.

Its just another failed attempt to try to bring life into that part of downtown. If business isnt taking off closest to the casinos along the riverfront then it SURE as heck isnt going to take off the further you get away from them.

I wish they would build some condos or apartments close to the riverfront, because people WANT to live near water, thats just a fact.

but hey...whatever. what do I know? Heres what, I wont live in a re-made ghetto apartment complex down town and im not going to go see a movie downtown without lighted parking.

So what comes first, the theater or restaurants? In this case the theater comes first, and let's hope it's succesful because whatever is successful in DT Shreveport is a success for the entire SBC metro. There are many successful models for theaters downtown. Plus, this is an arts theater which will help cement SBC's reputation as an artsy city, which will then attract more film production. I really don't see why anyone would oppose this project.

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cause they are being realistic..I mean....who the hell is going to go to see a movie downtown? Whens the last time you saw a cop downtown during the day....OR at night? Lets also think about parking. Not to mention places nearby to eat. Thats what this theatre will be lacking. Security/parking/nearby food eateries.

Its just another failed attempt to try to bring life into that part of downtown. If business isnt taking off closest to the casinos along the riverfront then it SURE as heck isnt going to take off the further you get away from them.

I wish they would build some condos or apartments close to the riverfront, because people WANT to live near water, thats just a fact.

but hey...whatever. what do I know? Heres what, I wont live in a re-made ghetto apartment complex down town and im not going to go see a movie downtown without lighted parking.

<_< Sometimes, people can't hide their ignorance. The Robinson Film Center is gonig to be a huge success. Hands down. First of all, it's one of only 7-8 film centers in the nation (and if I'm not mistaken, the only one in the South). Aside from regular movie screenings, the center will have film production resources and film events, such as local premieres and film festivals. The RFC will host the newly founded Louisiana Film Festival once it opens. Film festivals are MAJOR events that have huge economic impacts on cities... consider the Sundance Film Festival, Telluride, Tribeca, Cannes, Los Angeles, AFI, Toronto, Berlin - these are ones I can name off-the top of my head without even pausing. Small towns in Utah like Park City and Telluride that host these annual film festivals have become national art havens and draw in ten of thousands of people during those weeks. Think of how unique Shreveport will be to play host to such an event (given the Louisiana Film Festival won't be as big in it's first years, but it will grow) and to actually have a thriving film industry to match. This is a great opporunity to Shreveport to build a reputation for itself. Aside from those benefits, the RFC will be an asset to local film production and residents - not only the artists in the West Edge, but anyone in the city who wants to see quality filmmaking. All of my favorite movies have been independently made, and have been a huge advocate of this project by donating a lot of money to their captial campaign. I take it very seriously.

By the way, there will be a winebar and bistro located on the 2nd floor fo the facilty. You can have dinner and a movie all in one building.

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<_< Sometimes, people can't hide their ignorance. The Robinson Film Center is gonig to be a huge success. Hands down. First of all, it's one of only 7-8 film centers in the nation (and if I'm not mistaken, the only one in the South).

ah, well, there you have it. Undeniable PROOF that this is going to be a success!

Aside from regular movie screenings, the center will have film production resources and film events, such as local premieres and film festivals. The RFC will host the newly founded Louisiana Film Festival once it opens. Film festivals are MAJOR events that have huge economic impacts on cities... consider the Sundance Film Festival, Telluride, Tribeca, Cannes, Los Angeles, AFI, Toronto, Berlin - these are ones I can name off-the top of my head without even pausing. Small towns in Utah like Park City and Telluride that host these annual film festivals have become national art havens and draw in ten of thousands of people during those weeks.

Yes, film festivals. We're gonna be the next Sundance...right? HA! hey, theres nothing wrong with being a dreamer...dream all you want. Meanwhile...im still going to preach about security and parking and housing. And when I say housing I dont mean revamping some ghetto old buildings and turning them into "affordable" housing. I mean actual NEW buildings. People in Shreveport have this ridiculous notion that just because a building is old that its somehow relevant in todays world.

Think of how unique Shreveport will be to play host to such an event (given the Louisiana Film Festival won't be as big in it's first years, but it will grow) and to actually have a thriving film industry to match. This is a great opporunity to Shreveport to build a reputation for itself. Aside from those benefits, the RFC will be an asset to local film production and residents - not only the artists in the West Edge, but anyone in the city who wants to see quality filmmaking. All of my favorite movies have been independently made, and have been a huge advocate of this project by donating a lot of money to their captial campaign. I take it very seriously.

Hey, take it seriously as you want. Im not going to stop you. But if you think people other than a bunch of "emo" kids are going to visit this place then you're saldy mistaken. This isnt going to be a "tourist" draw nor is this going to be a "commerical" attraction for your typical money-spending Joe Schmo. Why? I already listed the reasons. A) nobody lives in that area. B) parking sucks C) the people with money in this city arent going to want to venture down there at night.

This is targeted to a very narrow group of west edge dreamers and your ocassional film fest. But hey, like I said, go ahead and dream...as long as you dont use tax money for this then knock yourselves out.

Edited by dingo
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So what comes first, the theater or restaurants? In this case the theater comes first, and let's hope it's succesful because whatever is successful in DT Shreveport is a success for the entire SBC metro. There are many successful models for theaters downtown. Plus, this is an arts theater which will help cement SBC's reputation as an artsy city, which will then attract more film production. I really don't see why anyone would oppose this project.

There are many successful models for theaters downtown? Ah well Im gonna sit here and wait for you to post some sources and PLEASE dont include a theatre within a city with a popualtion larger than Shreveport.

Plus, this is an arts theater which will help cement SBC's reputation as an artsy city, which will then attract more film production. I really don't see why anyone would oppose this project.

I hate to break the news to you...but producers arent coming to Shreveport because of the "artsy" reputation of the ark-la-tex. They are here for one reason and ONE reason only. Thats because of the tax credits offered by the state. If Little Rock Arkansas were to develop better tax breaks then all the business here would IMMEDIATLY pack up and move. They did that in the mid 90's when they were in Carolina and then went to Canada and they went from New Orleans to Shreveport. Its all about money and dont fool yourself into thinking otherwise.

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^ Wow, dingo, I must agree with Stephen. You really are ignorant to what is going on with the Robinson Film Center.

This kind of thinking is just the type that tries to keep Shreveport from progressing; but when all is said and done, I know Robinson will be a success and the film festival will continue to grow into a very successful venue.

I also think - no, I know - that you're seriously underestimating the arts community in Shreveport-Bossier. It's an enormous scene, hence the funding of events and public arts displays that it does.

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