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Downtown Activity
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Sci-Port Discovery Center
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The 67,000 sq. ft., $19M Sci-Port Discovery center was completed in Fall 1998. Sci-Port features a 185 seat IMAX domed theater, multiple exhibit galleries, gift shop and restaurant. Sci-Port anchors the southern edge of downtown's entertainment district and is immediately adjacent to the new festival site. Groundbreaking for Sci-Port's Space Center expansion project was held on February 24, 2005.
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Downtown Parking
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The Downtown Development Authority manages the downtown on-street parking operation via contract with the City of Shreveport. DDA parking staff is responsible for meter and parking enforcement, meter repair, coinage and fine collection. The DDA also makes recommendations to the Mayor regarding parking improvements and policy.
When the City of Shreveport and DDA started this service in January, 2000 the City also created the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund which captures the proceeds of the parking operation. These funds are dedicated exclusively for the provision of parking and parking related services in the Downtown Development District. Revenues substantially increased since DDA began management of the on-street parking program. For more infomation, call: 318-222-7403
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DDA Residential/Retail Initiative
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The residential study quantifies building conditions and the costs to convert older buildings to residential use on the upper floors and retail/restaurant/gallery uses on the ground floor. The report identifies available incentives and will be used as the basis for identifying other needed incentives. The study includes five prototypical downtown buildings.
Status: Complete. Information located on this web site. Click here: Center City Living Copies are available at the DDA. Selber Building, Rubenstein/Lanford, Allen (YMCA) and Johnson Building are included in the study.
Architect: A/E Design - Balar Engineers
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HRI Lofts
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Historic Restoration Inc. partnered with the downtown Shreveport Development Corporation to purchase and renovate the Lee Hardware and United Jeweler's Buildings. 109 loft-style apartments were developed in the former warehouses. 50% are below market rent units, reserved for and marketed to artists. 50% are market rate. A HUD 108 loan is being provided through the City of Shreveport. Development and marketing assistance is being provided by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the Downtown Development Authority.
Status: Full. Waiting list applications are being accepted.
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710 Crockett
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Leon Dayries, Jr. converted the historic Salvation Army building to seven spacious loft apartments. Dayries acquired the adjacent parcel and provides gated parking for residents.
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Crystal Oil
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Owners of the Crystal Oil Building are in the process of converting the former office building into 23 residential condominiums. For information on availability, call Mike Mckinley, Caldwell Banker (residential) or Vintage Realty (commercial).
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Entertainment
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Eldorado Resort Casino
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Visit Eldorado Resort Casino's on Shreveport's riverfront. Click here for more information: Eldorado Resort Casino
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Sam's Town Casino and Hotel
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Sam's Town Casino and Hotel are a winning combination. Click here for more information: Sam's Town Casino and Hotel
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Convention Center
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Construction continues on the 350,000 sq. ft. center and 813 space parking garage. Completion is expected January 2006 with a full-service, 300 room, Hilton headquarter hotel opening September 2006. For more information visit the Convention Center Web Site or call Debbie Foshee at (318) 841-4000.
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Red River Entertainment
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The Red River Urban Entertainment District is open on downtown Shreveport's riverfront.
Click here for more information: Red River District
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Casino 3
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The City of Shreveport and Horseshoe Casino proposed to build another hotel tower and riverboat complex on the Shreveport Riverfront at the Barnwell center. While the riverboat license in question was awarded to another proposal, the site is still available for consideration.
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Planning
Gateways
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The new gateways and streetscape improvements on Spring and Market were completed in 2004. New sidewalks, landscaping and art islands enhance the portals to downtown. Overhead wires were moved underground, clearing the view of visual clutter.
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Cross Bayou Identified as Priority
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The city begain assemblage of waterfront property along Cross Bayou on downtown's North side in 2000. The DDA indentified the development of Cross Bayou as a 2010 Redevelopment Plan priority. $5 million was allocated in the 1996 bond issue. Assembly began in 1997.
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Marketing
Office Brochure
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Downtown's office brochure is reprinted annually by the Downtown Development Authority and is distributed to Chamber, City, Parish and State economic development officials. It is also distributed widely to brokers, Realtors, property owners and retailers.
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Direct Mail
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Downtown Shreveport's office vacancy rate (18%) means that we have product available at reasonable rates! The Downtown Development Authority is using a direct mail, web based and conventional advertising marketing program to generate leads for white collar office users.
The DDA followed a careful market evaluation and outreach plan to determine its course of action. An office marketing "summit" including State, City, Chamber, DDA, brokerage and building owners concluded that location and price were competative advantages of the Center City. Exceptional bandwidth and reliable electrical service appeal to high tech companies.
Other Publications
- Visitor's Guide
- Downtown promotional campaign: Destination Downtown
- Parking Directory
- Retail space directory
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