Preparations continuing for delayed Summit Fremaux

Despite news reports this week that Bayer Properties of Alabama has suspended plans for a $900 million mixed-use development along Interstate 10 in Slidell, workers today began extensive work on infrastructure needed to serve it. Richard Price Contracting of Denham Springs is extending sewer and water lines and widening a canal for the city of Slidell in anticipation of the Summit Fremaux project. Bayer Properties announced plans last year to build the $900 million complex on 400 acres between Fremaux Avenue and Old Spanish Trail. The first phase of the retail development includes shops, restaurants, a hotel and a movie theater on 100 acres closest to I-10 and Fremaux. Later phases will include 500,000 square feet of medical facilities, 325,000 square feet of offices and up to 1,500 residential units. This summer, Bayer officials predicted the Summit would open in March 2010, but that date now has been pushed back six months or more, depending on the economy. Earl Price tells 10/12 that Richard Price Contracting today began installing water and sewer lines from Gause Boulevard to Old Spanish Trail and will more than double the width of an existing canal. The city is using a Community Development Block Grant to fund most of the $2.6 million contract. Richard Price Contracting also has a $20 million contract with Brice of Birmingham to perform the site work for the first phase, including earthwork, drainage, utilities and paving. The firm has been involved in a number of corridor projects, including the current demolition of the old Hammond Mall and redevelopment of Hammond Square Center, set to open this fall. – PBF