BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Contributing Writer
St. Landry Parish and Opelousas economic officials are still waiting to identify a major renovation effort that if completed, will ignite construction efforts for other downtown buildings that have remained vacant for decades.
Normally identified as catalyst projects, several currently unoccupied Opelousas central business district buildings have been targeted as potential revitalized centerpieces that if placed back into commerce, could entice further interest in downtown development.
The former women’s homeless New Life shelter on East Landry Street, a former downtown post office and the Abdalla’s Mall complex that occupies nearly an entire block between Court and Main streets, are being identified as two buildings that could provide examples of what could be done with properties now considered uninhabitable.
Bill Rodier, executive director for the St. Landry Parish Economic Development District, told Opelousas Downtown Development members during a Friday meeting, that there apparently is interest from a group of New Orleans developers in determining what can be done with the Abdalla’s property.
The unnamed group plans to tour the Abdalla’s building between now and August, Rodier said.
Rodier described Abdalla’s situation as unique and challenging.
“There could be a lot of opportunities there, but it’s a complex project moving forward,” Rodier added.
Abdalla’s is owned by Viviano family members.
The former post office, often identified as the Federal Building on the corner of Court and Landry streets, has also drawn the interest of several development groups, according to Rodier.
Progress towards completing a deal with the owners of the property is however, moving slowly, Rodier added.
“People that own the property are moving forward, but the steps that are being taken are not huge steps,” Rodier said.
Rodier said he has no idea about any possible negotiations involving the women’s shelter building.
During several Opelousas Board of Aldermen meetings during the past year, city officials have marginally discussed progress and potential uses for the building.
A committee was formed last year to discuss potential plans for the property, but none of those discussions have been made public.
During a July Board meeting, Mayor Julius Alsandor told alderman Marvin Richard that an air conditioning unit had been installed at the building.
