Monday, 28 February, 2011 14:38
by Sarah Madalyn McKinney
A view of the Regions Tower & Louisiana's Other Side pole banner in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority
For decades many buildings downtown have sat vacant and deteriorating. The decay of historic Shreveport architecture has been on the minds of those vested in the downtown area for quite some time, and they believe it’s time to do something about it.
Several buildings, located in the 600 block of Texas Street in the West Edge corridor of downtown, were set to be demolished until recently when a New Orleans investor stepped in. Roland von Kurnatowski is focused on the restoration and renovation of historic buildings. He is the owner of the Tipitina’s Foundation, a music coop for local, aspiring artists in Shreveport and New Orleans. His plans are to revitalize three buildings along Texas Street, while bringing retail and additional living space to the area.
Of course much more work is needed to bring downtown Shreveport, Texas Street and the Texas Avenue corridor back to what it was in the 1920s. The good news is, it seems multiple organizations, activists and investors aren’t just talking about it, they are doing something about it.
The Shreveport Regional Arts Council has two expansion projects - Artspace and Shreveport Common, a seven-block area along Common Street. Artspace is expanding its square footage to include the building next door in the 700 block of Texas Street. I’ll have more information on their plans for the extra space soon. But initial talks include an outdoor café and more space for art exhibition.
SRAC is still moving forward with its investment in Shreveport Common, which will house visual arts and performance venues. The old Central Fire Station will become Central Artstation.
Just blocks away at First United Methodist Church Shreveport, the Emmett Hook Performing Arts Center is set to open in April. It will have an orchestra pit, rehearsal areas and seating for more than 500. This performing arts center will encourage growth in this art and cultural center of downtown.
Lagniappe
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