News Summary
LSU Health Shreveport has purchased the former Sears property at Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport, Louisiana, aiming to create a state-of-the-art research facility. The new center will focus on cancer and cardiovascular research, revitalizing the area and boosting local employment. This ambitious project showcases a commitment to enhancing the community without state funding, marking a hopeful future for Shreveport.
Exciting New Chapter for Shreveport as LSU Health Shreveport Acquires Former Sears Property
Shreveport, Louisiana is buzzing with exciting news that promises to breathe new life into Mall St. Vincent. In a fantastic development for the local community, LSU Health Shreveport has recently purchased the former Sears property located at the mall. This landmark deal, announced on September 13, sets the stage for a cutting-edge research facility that is expected to create a vibrant hub of activity and innovation within the next two years.
A Bit of History
For those who might not be familiar, Mall St. Vincent has a rich history, having first opened its doors in 1977. Spanning an impressive 545,000 square feet, the mall was once a bustling center of commerce, anchored by prominent stores like Dillard’s and its former neighbor, Sears. Back in the day, the mall was the place to be, hosting events like the Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday night at the St. Vincent Six theaters, where audiences flocked for sold-out shows. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the mall in recent years.
By 2013, trouble began brewing as the mall started to face significant decline. The owners at that time, Rouse Properties, sought assistance from the city on several occasions, prompting the Shreveport City Council to support initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mall. They even established an economic development district with a special sales tax aimed at improving the mall’s condition, particularly its exterior and communal spaces.
Challenges and Changes
Despite several attempts at revival, including financial commitments from the city that totalled just over $1.8 million, the mall continued to struggle. The iconic Sears declared bankruptcy in 2018, vacating its space and adding to the mall’s challenges. In 2021, the mall changed hands yet again, getting bought by Kohan Retail Investment Group, marking a shift away from Rouse Properties and their earlier efforts. It was a bittersweet moment that left locals hoping for improvement.
A Bright Future Ahead
Fast forward to present-day Shreveport, where the purchase of the former Sears property stands as a beacon of hope. The new research facility by LSU Health Shreveport is set to focus on crucial areas like cancer and cardiovascular research, which could significantly enhance the institution’s stature and provide essential resources for researchers already working on groundbreaking projects. The planned facility will occupy around 160,000 square feet and promises a modern design filled with open spaces and dedicated workbenches, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and dynamic research activities.
Local leaders, including the mayor, are optimistic that this move will not only bring hundreds of jobs but also re-energize the entire area surrounding Mall St. Vincent. With the new facility, Shreveport stands to gain a significant influx of talent and visitors, potentially transforming the space into a bustling hub of activity once more.
Supporting the Community
What’s more inspiring is that this ambitious project is being fully funded without relying on state resources. This showcases the commitment to investing in the local community and paving the way for a brighter economic future. Residents of Shreveport can look forward to a revival of the mall, bringing back vibrancy and a sense of community that had waned in previous years.
In conclusion, as the transformation of the former Sears property unfolds, Shreveport is ready to embrace this exciting new chapter. The purchase by LSU Health Shreveport represents not just an investment in research and innovation, but also a revitalization of an area that holds so much history and potential for the future.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: LSU Health Shreveport Shares Details on Move to Mall St. Vincent
- Google Search: LSU Health Shreveport Mall St. Vincent
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Tax Money for Shreveport’s Mall St. Vincent
- Wikipedia: Mall St. Vincent
- Shreveport Times: Future of Former Shreveport Sears Building
- Google News: Shreveport Sears Building Future
- KSLA: Paranormal Cirque at Mall St. Vincent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Paranormal Circus
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.
