June 16, 2025

Shreveport Advances Northwest Louisiana State Office Building Project

News Summary

The Northwest Louisiana State Office Building project in Shreveport is set to progress as funding increases and key construction phases approach. With $75 million in lease revenue bonds and additional cash, the project is ready to move forward. Negotiations for construction management are ongoing, and significant economic benefits are expected for the downtown area.

Shreveport Advances Northwest Louisiana State Office Building Project

The Northwest Louisiana State Office Building project in Shreveport is progressing as financial backing increases and key construction phases are set to begin. Following approvals from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Office Facilities Corporation (OFC), the project is positioned to move forward with a total funding of $75 million in lease revenue bonds and $30.5 million in OFC cash.

Glenn Frazier, Director of the Office of State Buildings, has received authorization to sign an Encroachment Agreement with the City of Shreveport. This agreement facilitates the development of the site, paving the way for the anticipated construction activities.

Financial Adjustments and Budget Increases

Recent budget adjustments to the project have resulted in a net total increase of approximately $4.2 million. The adjustments account for several necessary expenses, including:

$1.7 million for tariff-related cost impacts
$1.4 million for the build-out of the 8th floor
$900,000 for the installation of a sprinkler system in the parking garage
$221,000 for commissioning services

Construction Timeline and Management

Negotiations are ongoing with Broadmoor LLC, the selected Construction Manager at Risk, to finalize a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). Construction for the second phase of the project is expected to begin around Labor Day, pending the completion of the GMP agreement. In July, work on the interior renovations and adjacent parking garage will resume, with Broadmoor actively seeking bids from various trades and subcontractors to ensure project completion.

Impact on the Downtown Area

The DDA has been a proponent of relocating state operations to downtown Shreveport since 2001, emphasizing the potential for significant economic benefits. The project is anticipated to bring in hundreds of daily workers to the downtown area, enhancing local economic activity and civic engagement.

Project Specifications and Timeline

The Northwest Louisiana State Office Building project is situated at 500 Fannin Street and involves the adaptive reuse of the former Wagonner Federal Building. Broadmoor has a history of managing large construction projects and is currently in the process of hiring subcontractors for essential services, including plumbing, electrical work, and precast concrete elements.

The estimated completion date for the project is projected to be late spring or summer of 2027, contingent upon the successful commencement of construction activities.

Conclusion

This significant investment in Shreveport’s infrastructure reflects a commitment to enhancing local state operations while promoting economic growth in the downtown area. With financial backing secured and construction slated to begin soon, the Northwest Louisiana State Office Building is on track to become a central hub for state administration and a contributor to the revitalization of the downtown region.