Shreveport’s New State Office Building Is Taking Shape Downtown
Progress is being made on the new Northwest Louisiana State Office Building in downtown Shreveport. The old Joe D. Waggonner in the 500 block of Fannin Street is being transformed into a new modern state complex.
How Much Will the Project Cost?
This construction project is expected to cost just over $100 million dollars. The 8-story building will replace the aging state office building on Jordan Street in the Highland neighborhood. The building has been empty since 1994. It was opened in 1974. It's actually be shuttered for longer than it was open.
Opening of the new building is expected early next year.
Downtown Development Authority Director Cedric Glover says the building is about 50% complete. He says most of the windows have now been installed.
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Glover says “This will bring in 600 state employees into downtown Shreveport and all the people who come into downtown for the services that they need from the state of Louisiana.”
Glover says crews are moving through the final stages of the project. He says this complex will generate lots of traffic on the north side of downtown.
What Will Happen with the Old State Building?
Glover says legislation from 2022 outlines the process for repurposing the current state building. It was offered and passed with input and support from Highland neighborhood stakeholders who are concerned about the old building getting into the hands of owners that will only sit on the property and not seek timely or viable redevelopment. Glover does tell KEEL News the building will NOT be torn down.
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