Exciting Changes Coming to Shreveport with New LSU Health Facility!
Shreveport, Louisiana, is buzzing with excitement as the LSU Health Shreveport Foundation has just made a significant investment in the community. In a recent move, they purchased the vacant space left by Sears at Mall St. Vincent for a whopping $3.5 million. This decision is not just about filling a space; it’s about aiming for some truly important research initiatives!
An Open Concept Space for Big Ideas
With a generous 160,000 square feet at their disposal, LSU Health has plans to turn this former department store into a thriving hub for research. Chancellor David Guzick notes that the open concept layout was perfect for their vision. “Even before we walked in, we knew it was perfect,” he shared. The proximity to their campus, just a mile and a half away, makes it an ideal location.
Expanding the Research Team
This project isn’t just about a new building; it also means more jobs and more contributions to the local economy! LSU plans to hire 40 new researchers, each managing a team of about six people. That means we’re looking at nearly 250 new positions that could be coming together in this state-of-the-art facility!
Focus Areas: Cardiovascular, Cancer, and Addiction Research
What will these researchers be focusing on, you ask? LSU aims to ramp up efforts in critical areas such as cardiovascular research, cancer research, and addiction research. Dr. Oren Rom, the associate dean for basic and translational research at LSU Health Shreveport, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are doing really great in our current facility, but we are growing a lot, specifically in the area of cardiovascular research and microbiology research. We are trying to really increase our impact on cancer research as well.”
Revitalization Efforts for Mall St. Vincent
But that’s not all! This acquisition is expected to breathe new life into the struggling Mall St. Vincent. In addition to the building, LSU Health has also secured extra parking and ownership of the corridor leading to the mall’s atrium, which opens up even more possibilities. Although there are current tenants, Guzick is eager about attracting more businesses, hoping to revive the mall and create a vibrant atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
Exciting architectural renderings are expected to be unveiled in January 2024, giving the community a sneak peek into what’s to come. The goal is to have the facility up and running within the next two years, which is sure to create a buzz of anticipation in Shreveport!
The arrival of LSU Health at Mall St. Vincent isn’t just a win for the institution; it’s a positive step for the community, bringing in jobs, research advancements, and hopefully, a revitalized shopping experience at the mall. With the focus on important research areas and community enrichment, Shreveport residents have a lot to look forward to!
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.
