News Summary
The Summer Grove Baptist Church is considering a vote on the fate of the former South Park Mall property in Shreveport. With recent interest from potential tenants, the church faces critical decisions about the property’s future amidst visible signs of aging and disrepair. Despite the challenges, the community remains optimistic about local revitalization efforts, including new businesses emerging in the Southern Hills area.
Shreveport – The future of the former South Park Mall property, located near the intersection of Louisiana Highway 3132 and Mansfield Road, remains uncertain as the leadership of Summer Grove Baptist Church is contemplating a vote on whether to relinquish part or all of the property. The decision is crucial, especially as interest from potential tenants for vacant retail spaces within the property has recently surfaced, yet no leases have been finalized at this time.
During a recent visit, it was noted that while some of the church’s operations were intact, only a small fraction of the 800,000-square-foot facility is actively in use. Signs of aging and disrepair were visible on certain sections of the property, particularly with rust appearing on exterior columns. This deterioration raises questions about the long-term viability of the area.
The property does host a charter school linked to the church, which is actively encouraging enrollment for the incoming school year. Additionally, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Safety Town occupies part of the overall space, which serves as a valuable component in any potential future development plans.
In 2018, the closure of the iconic Sears department store was part of a larger trend involving the shutdown of multiple locations operated by the company, including its branch at Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport. The Sears building on Southern Avenue, which was constructed in 1961 and showcased mid-century architecture, eventually became a part of the South Park Mall complex.
Following the closure of Sears, the LSU Health Sciences Foundation acquired the shuttered building alongside its parking lot, with plans to transform the site while ensuring the preservation of its historical character. Community expectations are high that any redevelopment will honor the unique architectural design that has become a significant part of the community’s identity.
The Southern Hills area is currently undergoing a revitalization process, with new businesses opening despite the challenges brought forth by the closures of major retail establishments. Recent openings in Southern Hills include establishments such as Dunkin Donuts and Raceway, along with various other enterprises along Mansfield Road. The Southern Hills Business Association plays a pivotal role in promoting economic growth and fostering community engagement in the area.
Despite concerns regarding the decline of traditional retail shopping in Shreveport, residents and business owners appear optimistic about the revitalization efforts. Community sentiments and enthusiasm are reflected through the emergence of new businesses like The Cinnamon Roll House, signaling a shift towards a more vibrant local economy.
In light of these developments and the uncertain future of the former South Park Mall property, the decisions made by Summer Grove Baptist Church’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the next chapter for the property and the surrounding community. The ongoing dialogue regarding potential redevelopment signifies an important crossroads for the area, as stakeholders weigh the prospects of revitalizing a once-thriving retail hub.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: What’s next for the former South Park Mall?
- KTAL: Preserving the legacy of Sears in Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Southern Hills sees growth, jobs, and gains
- Shreveport Times: Business rebirth in Southern Hills
- K945: Hyundai’s $5 billion steel mill bringing jobs to Louisiana
- Google Search: Shreveport business revitalization
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.
