Catholic High School is preparing to move forward with plans to redevelop the former Westmoreland Village Shopping Center on Government Street, which the school acquired in late 2010.
Westmoreland Properties, the limited liability company the school formed to acquire and redevelop the shopping center, issued a request for qualifications today for a partner developer “with whom it can explore options for the redevelopment” of roughly half the 9.2-acre site.
According to the RFQ, the redevelopment plans should include: a multipurpose design, possibly including residential, retail and office spaces; a food amenity, such as a café, catering service or restaurant; improved aesthetics through design, structures, courtyard and landscaping; and a “youthful appeal” that will make it an attractive destination for students from CHS and nearby St. Joseph’s Academy and Baton Rouge Magnet High School. The plans must also be compatible with the design and objectives of the Mid-City Overlay District, FuturEBR design guidelines, and the planned renovation of Government Street, the RFQ says.
“We think this could serve as a catalyst for further improvements in the Mid City area and will build on the momentum of other Government Street projects,” says CHS President Gene Tullier.
Under the terms of the partnership as currently envisioned, Westmoreland Properties would put up the land and the partner developer would come up with the financing to fund the design and at least the initial construction of the project. Westmoreland Properties would retain full ownership of the property, which it acquired from the Cangelosi family for $4.85 million.
The roughly 4-acre tract that would be redeveloped for mixed use is north of Cole Drive. Examples of redevelopment that won’t be considered for the site include a single, big-box retail outlet, a fast food venue that encourages only or primarily drive-thru service, and any business that has alcohol or tobacco as primary products. The rest of the property south of Cole Drive would be retained for the school’s future needs.
The RFQ asks for letters of interest to be submitted by August 31. A second, more in-depth submission process will follow, depending on the first round of responses.
“I’m not asking for a lot of investment in time, energy or assets in the first phase,” Tullier says. “What we’re looking for is a vision and expression of interest, and a rough estimate of cost and return. If we feel there are some viable options, we’ll then want a much more in-depth analysis … but right now we want to invite people who have an interest in that location to share their ideas.”
—Stephanie Riegel
