News Summary
The historic properties at 864 Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport are now on the market, offering developers a chance to revitalize important historical sites. Eligible for historic tax credits covering up to 40% of rehabilitation costs, the two structures, previously operated as furniture stores, boast architectural significance from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although currently in need of restoration, their prime location in the Downtown Arts and Culture District presents endless possibilities for future development, appealing to investors looking to enhance the community’s cultural landscape.
Shreveport
The historic buildings at 864 Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport are now available for sale, presenting a unique opportunity for potential developers. The properties, which feature two structures with significant historical value, are eligible for historic tax credits that could cover up to 40% of qualified rehabilitation costs. This opens a pathway for investors interested in revitalizing the site, which has been unoccupied since the 1980s.
Located in the heart of the Downtown Arts and Culture District, the site consists of two buildings previously operated as furniture stores, notably as Lewis Furniture. The older building, constructed in 1898, showcases the work of architect N.S. Allen, who is also known for his designs of other notable structures such as the Antioch Baptist Church and the Logan Mansion. The adjacent building, built in 1916, was designed by Edward F. Neild, who also played a role in designing the Caddo Parish Courthouse and C.E. Byrd High School. Together, these buildings offer a total of 12,000 square feet of space.
Despite their historic significance, the buildings currently lack roofs and only consist of four walls. However, the site includes a loading dock at the back, and brokerage and leasing agent Claire Childs highlighted the generous natural light that floods the interior through the numerous windows, suggesting that this feature could enhance the appeal of any future development.
Furthermore, the sale includes an adjacent green space to the south of the properties. This space adds to the potential for development, which Childs remarked is “pretty much endless.” The versatility of the site is evident as it falls within the Downtown Arts and Culture zoning district, allowing for a variety of uses, including establishments such as bars, art galleries, studios, residential spaces on upper floors, and educational facilities.
Shreveport’s Texas Avenue site is strategically situated across from Caddo Common Park, a spot that is becoming increasingly popular for community events and gatherings. This location further boosts the desirability of the property for developers looking to tap into the growing arts and culture scene in Shreveport, known as the Shreveport Common.
The buildings last served as retail spaces until the decline of their original operation in the 1980s. As the market for real estate continues to shift and evolve, opportunities to restore and develop historic properties like this one are increasingly attractive to investors and community members alike, keen on revitalizing the urban landscape.
This opportunity marks a significant juncture for Shreveport’s development as it combines the rich history of the city with modern possibilities for revitalization. The ability to access substantial financial incentives through historic tax credits makes the properties at 864 Texas Avenue not only a chance to preserve local heritage but also build a vibrant future for the community.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Lewis Furniture on Shreveport’s Texas Avenue Is For Sale
- Wikipedia: Shreveport, Louisiana
- Shreveport Times: Through the Eyes of History – Shreveport Building Renovations
- Google Search: Historic Tax Credits
- Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- National Park Service: Historic Preservation
- Google News: Shreveport Real Estate
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.
