Editor’s note: This story has been updated to change the price per square foot of the 2,800-square-foot space to $8.57, not 71 cents as originally reported. Daily Report regrets the error.
When The Health-Nut Hut closed its doors at 11954 Coursey Blvd. in April after 19 years in business, property owner Aieree Lee decided to use the vacancy as an opportunity to give her space a makeover as she looks for a new tenant.
Lee, who owns the three Lee’s Cleaners dry cleaning locations in Baton Rouge, has renovated the floor, painted the 2,800-square-foot space and contracted Premier South roofing company to repair leaks in the ceiling. With all of those repairs, Lee believes her transformed space is the ideal place for any business looking to locate or establish themselves in the area.
“I’m welcoming anyone who is starting a new business or someone who is relocating their business,” Lee says.
Having been in business for 30 years, Lee understands the challenges new business owners often face, which is why she’s setting the rent for her space at $2,000 a month for the first three years.
The average going rate along Coursey Boulevard for available retail space, according to active listings, is generally between $15 and $17 per square foot. At a monthly rent of $2,000, the 2,800-square-foot space works out to $8.57 per square foot.
“We’d like to help people who are starting a new business, and we are willing to work with them and give them an opportunity in this area because the $2,000 rent is very low compared to what others are asking,” she explains.
—Gabrielle Braud
