A groundbreaking on the last office warehouse building in Patriot Commerce Park is still about three weeks away, but more than half of the space is already leased, according to Nic Bernhard with Bernhard Normand Construction, which has built out the park. High demand for the buildings reflects a shortage of such spaces in the market, Bernhard says.
“We’ve been fortunate with [the development],” he says. “It’s a strong market as far as we’re seeing it.”
Construction of the new building will cost $1.3 million, according to a plan review application recently filed with the city-parish Department of Public Works. It will add more than 16,000 square feet to the park, with warehouse and office space for six tenants.
The park—located on Patriot Drive, just off Airline Highway behind Celebration Station—has a total of more than 45,000 square feet of space. Along with 10 freestanding buildings that measure 3,500 square feet each, there’s also a larger 10,000-square-foot building with room for five tenants. Development of the park began several years ago under Donnie Jarreau, according to Bernhard, whose company now owns 80% of the park. Tenants include businesses such as a land surveying company, a specialty pipe company and the Fit Blendz distribution center.
According to this year’s economic outlook presented by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the shortage of office space similar to that in Patriot Commerce Park could present a stumbling block in attracting companies to the area to support the industrial boom.
When BRAC President and CEO Adam Knapp addressed the Baton Rouge Press Club earlier this month, he said one of the chamber’s priorities for the year is working with investors and developers to bring more office space onto the market.
After this building is complete, Bernhard says he is planning another office park development to continue filling market demand. —Kelly Connelly
