Approximately 90% of the retail outlets and restaurant establishments at Juban Crossing are expected to reopen in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, says developer Steve Keller.
The 471-acre shopping development, just east of Denham Springs, took on four to five feet of water during the August flood, resulting in damages that cost roughly $15 million to repair, Keller says. That estimate excludes the cost of the inventory thrown away as a result of the flood, he adds.
In early September, Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar became the first to reopen at Juban Crossing following the flood. Ross Dress for Less, Verizon, Mattress Firm and Shoe Carnival have since reopened, Keller says, and T.J. Maxx has announced it will reopen on Sunday.
Others planning to be open by Thanksgiving are: Bed Bath & Beyond, Cato, Dress Barn, Forever 21, Kirkland’s, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Michaels, Old Navy, PetSmart, Shoe Carnival, Burgersmith, LA Nails, Men’s Wearhouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pacific Dental, Pot and Paddle, Academy and Belk’s.
Carter’s, a baby and children’s clothing store, Great American Cookies and GNC will be open by Dec. 1. Rouses Supermarket will open during the first week of December, and Ulta will reopen on Dec. 9. Kay Jeweler’s will open a new store in the development on Jan. 15, Keller says. Construction is also well underway on Stroubes restaurant.
Kohl’s is the only store that is not returning to Juban Crossing, Keller says, adding he’s speaking with potential tenants to fill the vacancy. Despite the flood, Keller says new retailers have reached out to him, expressing interest in opening another location or entering the Louisiana market at Juban Crossing.
After the flood, Keller set a goal of having the shopping center reopened within 90 days and Block Companies stuck closely to the ambitious timeline, he says.
“We worked seven days a week, two shifts a day to get everyone open,” he says. “All of the spaces were built back by Block Construction.”
The total cost of damage Juban Crossing sustained from the August flood is still being figured out, says Keller, who is still speaking with the insurance company.
—Alexandria Burris
