News Summary
Two historic buildings in Shreveport’s Downtown Arts and Culture district have been listed for sale, offering a unique redevelopment opportunity. Located at 864 Texas Avenue, these properties, built in 1898 and 1916, require significant renovations but are eligible for historic tax credits. The buildings boast about 12,000 square feet and are situated near Caddo Common Park, making them ideal for various business ventures. This listing reflects ongoing urban renewal trends within the city, presenting an attractive investment for developers interested in restoring local heritage.
Shreveport Historic Buildings Listed for Sale with Renovation Potential
Shreveport, Louisiana – Two historic buildings located at 864 Texas Avenue have been put on the market, offering a unique redevelopment opportunity in the city’s Downtown Arts and Culture district. The buildings feature a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of the property as of Thursday, June 5, 2025, and are available for purchase as shells ready for renovation. Their historic significance and eligibility for tax credits present an exciting chance for potential buyers looking to invest in preserving local heritage.
The site encompasses approximately 12,000 square feet of total area divided into four bays. Historically, the buildings housed several furniture stores, concluding with Lewis Furniture in the 1980s. Today, the structures consist of four walls but are without roofs, requiring significant renovation efforts.
The older of the two buildings, constructed in 1898, was designed by notable architect N.S. Allen for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Its architectural history adds to the appeal of the site, while the adjacent building, built in 1916, was the work of local architect Edward F. Neild. Neild is also recognized for his designs of prominent structures in the area, including the Caddo Parish Courthouse and C.E. Byrd High School.
The buildings sit directly across from Caddo Common Park, a central feature of the Shreveport Common arts and culture district, enhancing the attractiveness of the location for potential businesses such as bars, art galleries, studios, and residential spaces. These buildings fall under the Downtown Arts and Culture zoning district, which allows for diverse uses, making them a versatile investment. Additionally, ample windows promise to fill the interiors with natural light, while a loading dock at the rear provides functional utility for future operations.
Prospective investors will be pleased to learn that both buildings are eligible for historic tax credits, which could cover up to 40% of qualified rehabilitation costs. This financial incentive could significantly reduce renovation expenses and encourage developers to restore and repurpose the properties.
Alongside the buildings, the sale includes additional green space bordering the property to the south, further enhancing the site’s potential for development. Broker Claire Childs has referred to the site as a “blank canvas,” emphasizing the endless opportunities available to those willing to invest in revitalizing these historic structures.
The listing of these buildings reflects broader trends in urban renewal and historic preservation in Shreveport, as city planners and local community advocates continue to encourage the adaptive reuse of historic assets. The redevelopment of these buildings has the potential not only to enhance the surrounding area but also to contribute to the cultural and economic growth of the city.
As Shreveport seeks to attract businesses and foster community development, the opportunity to own and renovate such historically significant buildings presents an enticing prospect for investors, developers, and entrepreneurs interested in making their mark in this vibrant district.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Lewis Furniture on Shreveport’s Texas Avenue is For Sale
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Urban Renewal in Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Renewal
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Local Economic Growth in Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
