June 17, 2025

Northwest Louisiana State Office Building Construction Progresses

News Summary

The construction of the Northwest Louisiana State Office Building is advancing as funding increases. The project, located in downtown Shreveport, aims to transform the former federal building into a modern facility. With a projected cost of over $100 million, the project is undergoing ‘value engineering’ to manage expenses while still achieving key design elements. Recent financial support includes $75 million in lease revenue bonds, crucial for project continuation. Local authorities express optimism about the benefits of the state office relocation for the Shreveport community, heralding potential economic growth.

Shreveport – The construction of the Northwest Louisiana State Office Building in downtown Shreveport is moving forward as financial backing for the project increases. Located at 500 Fannin Street, the former Joe D. Wagonner Federal Building is set to be transformed into a new state office building, with a gross maximum price bid expected to exceed $100 million confirmed by general contractor Broadmoor on April 30, 2024.

Currently, the project is undergoing a process referred to as “value engineering,” aimed at ensuring the new office building fits within the available financial resources while still meeting the necessary specifications. The contractor will act as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), thus accepting responsibility for construction oversight while managing risks associated with potential cost overruns.

Roy Dowling, the project’s senior manager, indicated the budgeting process has faced challenges due to variable external factors such as tariffs, which led to additional adjustments in project costs totaling approximately $4.2 million. These adjustments include $1.7 million for tariff-related impacts, $1.4 million for renovations on the eighth floor, and other costs for safety and commissioning services.

Progress and Design Features

Architect Christopher Coe reported that while minimal aesthetic treatments have been altered from the original design, some features such as a rooftop garden have been removed, and interior flooring specifications have been modified. The exterior curtain wall, which will give the building its distinctive appearance, awaits production pending final approvals.

The interior of the new office is set to feature modern furniture, fixtures, and equipment, signaling a significant upgrade from the current facilities used by state employees on Fairfield Avenue. These employees have already been notified that old paper files must be digitized and will not be transported to the new building, which points towards a shift in operational practices and improvement in efficiency.

Financial Backing and Community Impact

The financial landscape of the project has seen a significant increase, particularly with the approval of $75 million in lease revenue bonds and an additional $30.5 million from the Office Facilities Corporation’s cash reserves. This financial support is critical for the continuation and successful completion of the project.

Support for relocating state offices to downtown Shreveport has been vocalized by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which has backed the initiative since at least 2001. Recent board meetings of the Office Facilities Corporation have resulted in approvals for essential project developments, signifying solid backing from local governance.

Looking Forward

As negotiations for the Guaranteed Maximum Price with Broadmoor LLC reach final stages, Phase 2 of construction is projected to commence around Labor Day, contingent on the completion of the GMP agreement. The DDA is optimistic, anticipating that the relocation will economically and socially benefit the Shreveport community by bringing hundreds of workers back to downtown on a daily basis.

This development presents an opportunity not only for enhanced state operations but also for revitalizing the local economy through increased foot traffic and business activities in the downtown area, which has long been a focal point for community leaders and residents alike.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

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.

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