Shreveport, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport is on the brink of transformation with the impending redevelopment of the Libbey Glass Plant. Purchased by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, plans are in place to either rehabilitate or demolish the facility, which has been closed since late 2020. Backed by significant state funding and local contributions, this initiative aims to revitalize the area, attract new industries, and generate job opportunities. As the site prepares for auction in 2025, stakeholders are committed to overcoming redevelopment challenges while preserving the site’s historical significance.
Shreveport is preparing for a major transformation as plans have been solidified for the demolition and redevelopment of the Libbey Glass Plant, which shut its doors in late 2020 after 47 years in operation. The facility, located at 4302 Jewella Ave, comprises 851,672 square feet, primarily built in the early 1900s, and sits on over 54 acres of land that includes several historic buildings and industrial infrastructure.
The North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) successfully purchased the property, with the sale closing on September 5. The redevelopment plan includes either rehabilitating or demolishing existing structures to pave the way for new industrial uses, aimed at revitalizing the economically challenged Shreveport area. This undertaking is backed by $10 million in state funds earmarked for the 2024/2025 legislative sessions, which allocates $7.2 million for the purchase and $2.8 million for site remediation.
In a significant step to support this project, the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority (NWLFA) has approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, committing $1,050,404 toward the initiative. City officials have indicated that the location, adjacent to an interstate and equipped with utility services such as rail access and electrical supplies, makes the site particularly valuable for industrial development.
Real estate professional Chris Stokes, who played a pivotal role in the listing of the property, emphasized the need to attract new industries to fill the employment void left by the plant’s closure. The Libbey Glass facility fell into bankruptcy in June 2020, which ultimately led to its shutdown. As part of the redevelopment effort, plans for a significant cleanup are being implemented to prepare the site for future development.
The facility, along with its contents, is scheduled for auction on August 2, 2025. Economic development leaders are committed to repurposing the site, a move they hope will stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in the area. The successful redevelopment of the Libbey Glass Plant signifies broader city efforts to enhance industrial growth relative to investments in other regions.
The rich history of the building is closely tied to Libbey Owens Ford, which operated at this location before its transition to Libbey Glass. Addressing the challenges of redevelopment, professionals have noted difficulties navigating the decaying building, particularly due to safety hazards such as glass shards scattered throughout the property. Nonetheless, the importance of transforming this outdated facility into a modern industrial site cannot be overstated, according to NLEP executives.
This redevelopment project stands as a beacon of hope for Shreveport’s economic landscape, with multiple stakeholders working concertedly to ensure that the transition not only preserves the city’s industrial legacy but also revitalizes it for future generations.
Key Features of the Libbey Glass Plant Redevelopment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4302 Jewella Ave, Shreveport |
| Size | 851,672 square feet on 54 acres |
| Sale Date | September 5 |
| State Funding | $10 million ($7.2 million for purchase, $2.8 million for remediation) |
| NWLFA Contribution | $1,050,404 |
| Auction Date | August 2, 2025 |
| Historical Significance | Integral part of local industry since the 1900s |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Libbey Glass Plant?
The Libbey Glass Plant is a former manufacturing facility located in Shreveport, which operated from the early 1900s until its closure in late 2020.
Why did the Libbey Glass Plant close?
The plant closed due to bankruptcy in June 2020 as part of a larger financial decline affecting the company.
What are the plans for the site?
The site will either be rehabilitated or demolished to create a new industrial area aimed at attracting new businesses and job opportunities.
When is the auction of the facility scheduled?
The facility and its contents are slated for auction on August 2, 2025.
What financial support has been secured for the redevelopment?
A total of $10 million in state funds has been allocated, along with an additional $1,050,404 from the NWLFA.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Redevelopment Planned for Shreveport’s Former Libbey Glass Plant
Historic Buildings in Downtown Shreveport Hit the Market
Historic Buildings for Redevelopment in Shreveport
Historic Buildings for Sale in Downtown Shreveport
Shreveport Historic Buildings Listed for Sale with Renovation Potential
Historic Buildings for Sale in Shreveport
Historic 17-Story Building to Be Auctioned in Shreveport
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop-Shop
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop Shop Website
Historic Shreveport Building Set for Auction
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Libbey Glass to be Sold
- Wikipedia: Shreveport, Louisiana
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Libbey Glass Auction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
- KTAL News: Libbey Glass Demolition
- Google Search: Libbey Glass Plant Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: What’s Next for Libbey Glass
- Google Scholar: Libbey Glass Plant Redevelopment
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.
