Unrelated to future development: The Westmoreland Shopping Center is set to go before the Planning Commission later this month to get a zoning change. Ryan Holcomb, project coordinator for the planning department, says the move has nothing to do with any upcoming development for the Mid City shopping center. Rather, it’s a reaction to an earlier zoning change. The Resource Group got the zoning on the center changed in early 2007, when there were plans to turn Westmoreland into a mixed-use development with condominiums, town homes, retail and restaurants. In anticipation of this, the nine-acre center was rezoned from commercial use to a small planned unit development in February 2007. But plans for the redevelopment fell through a few months later. Holcomb says the SPUD zoning was valid for three years. “Our office is required to initiate it back for prior zoning,” says Holcomb.
Plan to restore landmark school: MAPP Construction has been awarded a nearly $46 million contract to renovate and expand Baton Rouge Magnet High School. The project involves demolishing 75% of the Mid City site, replacing and replicating windows, and preserving Live oaks. The 220,000 square feet of new construction will harmonize with the nearly century-old school. Construction is set to begin in August, and the renovations are slated for completion by the start of the 2012-13 school year.
