The Salvation Army has plans to build a new men’s shelter measuring more than 10,000 square feet at its campus at 7361 Airline Hwy., according to a plan review application filed with the Department of Public Works.
Captain Brett Meredith, Commander for the Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge, says bids are still being taken, but construction is expected begin on the shelter in the coming months, with plans to open at this time next year. The new building, designed by Baton Rouge-based Post Architects, will double the shelter’s emergency housing from 20 to 40 beds. The existing 4,000-square-foot shelter will be demolished to make room for the new dormitories, but Meredith says a plan is in the works for housing during construction of the dorms.
“We know the need is there in the community, particularly when there are natural disasters, but also on a day-to-day basis,” he says.
The $1.92 million project will be financed in part by a grant from the Wilson Foundation, in part by a $500,000 allocation from the city-parish. “The rest is still being pieced together,” Meredith says. The Salvation Army also has a drug and alcohol recovery program and a transitional program that it houses at the campus, along with its largest area thrift store and social service programs.
Other recently filed plan review applications of note include:
— A new showroom for Ducote’s Restaurant and Bar Supplies. The new building is estimated to cost $445,000 and will add 5,774 square feet of space to the existing showroom and offices at 4433 Florida Blvd.
— Waskey Precast Concrete has filed to add a building to its complex at 2651 N. Flannery Road, near South Choctaw Drive. The project is estimated to cost more than $697,000 and add 12,652 square feet.
— Labat Grove LLC submitted an application for the Area 51 indoor trampoline park. The application shows the project will be $1.3 million for a $22,683-square-foot building.
— SJB Group will spend $350,000 to remodel a recently-purchased building at 8401 Picardy Ave. for its surveying division.
— American Factory Direct filed to remodel the former location of Kirk’s Tires and Accessories, which it recently purchased, at 9555 Airline Hwy. for $800,000.
—Kelly Connelly
