Moving Forward Archive

St. Landry economic development leaders and the owners of Evangeline Downs will collaborate to create a master plan for development of more than 600 acres near Interstate 49 and U.S. 190, one of the most important crossroads in south Louisiana.

The Central St. Landry Economic Development District (CSLEDD) has agreed take the lead in funding a consortium of analysis, engineering and architectural firms to create a comprehensive master plan for property owned by Boyd Gaming, the firm that operates Evangeline Downs. Populous Architectural Design will be the lead agency and CSRS Consulting. HR&A Consulting, and Crossroads Consulting will also participate.

The plan will focus on creating a destination location centered around a “Gateway to Acadiana” theme. The plan will focus on finding the right mix of activities to complement the gaming and racing now offered at Evangeline Downs.  It will look at options such as an entertainment arena; retail, dining, and cultural spaces; nature options and other ways to capitalize on unique aspects of south Louisiana.

"This crossroads is where south Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole culture truly starts,” according to Bill Rodier, St. Landry economic development director. “We want this plan to lay the framework for a truly unique development that everyone in our region can be proud of as a true representation of our people, culture, and history. The goal is to develop a property that people from a broad geography can come to and spend several days relaxing, having fun, and learning more about our culture."

Most of the plan’s funding will come from CSLEDD, which was formed to focus substantially on development of the I-49 corridor in the center of the parish.  It’s chairman, Frank (Buddy) Helton, said the district’s board of directors has been in discussion with Populous Architectural Design for several months and that the Kansas City-based firm that has “an impressive portfolio of major projects around the world.”  Those projects include such venues as the Atlanta Braves' and New York Yankees' stadiums and the 2012 Olympic Equine Center.

Helton said the first step in creating the plan will be to develop the data needed to find the best use for the property. The economic effects of any development can’t be measured until that study is done, Helton said, but both he and Rodier believe it could be “a transformation anchor development project” that will pay big dividends for the parish and the region.

I-49, which runs north and south through St. Landry is the transportation backbone of the parish and upper Acadiana. It is the major north-south highway through central Louisiana and forms a crossroads with U.S. 190 at Opelousas. “That makes the gateway area a relatively short drive for 1.2 million residents living within 50 miles of the location. It also opens up interest by travelers from larger metro areas across the south” Rodier said.

“More and more visitors from throughout the state and the region are discovering that St. Landry is indeed ‘a place where we live our culture,’” in the view of Parish President Bill Fontenot. “Evangeline Downs is already a major factor in attracting those visitors. It’s exciting to think about what developing this crossroads property to its fullest potential can mean for the parish, the region and indeed, all of south Louisiana.”

Three things to know about this story:

• The Central St. Landry Economic Development District has agreed take the lead in funding a consortium of analysis, engineering and architectural firms to create a comprehensive master plan for property owned by Boyd Gaming, the firm that operates Evangeline Downs. 
• The plan will focus on creating a destination location centered around a “Gateway to Acadiana” theme.
• The crossroads of I-49 and U.S. 190 makes the gateway area a relatively short drive for 1.2 million residents living within 50 miles of the location.