Construction on River District set to start in January

Construction on the first phase of River District, a 22-acre development along Nicholson Drive between downtown and LSU, is set to start in January. David Trusty of Gully, Phelps McKey Real Estate, who helped assemble the project, says construction should begin on a 400-unit apartment complex. “It will be a loft type thing,” Trusty says. The rental units will pave the way for future phases, which could include a grocery store, hotel and office space. Stephen Keller, who did the Towne Center at Cedar Lodge, and Michael Moreno, a Lafayette oilman, is developing River District. Demolition of homes to make way for River District should begin at the end of the month, Trusty says. The project hopes to attract young professionals and LSU employees and faculty, Trusty says.—Timothy Boone