June 15, 2025

Progress on Shreveport’s Northwest Louisiana State Office Project

News Summary

The Northwest Louisiana State Office project in Shreveport is advancing with plans to transform the Joe D. Wagonner Federal Building. A favorable bid from Broadmoor has been received, and financial adjustments have been made to ensure budget feasibility. Construction is set to commence around Labor Day as preparations for a new building design are underway. This initiative is supported by the Downtown Development Authority, aiming to bolster downtown Shreveport’s economy and public services.

Shreveport

The Northwest Louisiana State Office project is making progress, with plans in place to transform the former Joe D. Wagonner Federal Building into a new state office building located at 500 Fannin Street in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control has received a promising gross maximum price bid from general contractor Broadmoor, marking a significant step towards the comprehensive redevelopment of state facilities in downtown Shreveport.

The ongoing construction endeavor has undergone a process termed “value engineering” to ensure financial feasibility while maintaining essential architectural features. The state’s representatives have noted the bid appears favorable; however, negotiations concerning finer details are still necessary before the project gains final approval.

A crucial part of the approval process includes reviewing and signing off on a 177-page financial document, which confirms that the guaranteed maximum price is expected to exceed $100 million. Broadmoor LLC will take on the role of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), meaning they will absorb any cost overruns not accounted for in change orders and are responsible for delivering the project on schedule.

Financial Considerations and Budget Adjustments

Roy Dowling, overseeing the project, has indicated challenges in maintaining budget integrity, often affected by tariffs and other fiscal uncertainties. Recent financial adjustments to the project have resulted in a net total increase of approximately $4.2 million to the budget. This increase includes several specific costs: $1.7 million addressing tariff impacts, $1.4 million for renovations on the 8th floor, $900,000 for installing a sprinkler system within the parking garage, and $221,000 allocated for commissioning services.

Substantial financial support for the project has been established, with increased backing comprising $75 million from lease revenue bonds and $30.5 million from the Office Facilities Corporation. This financial framework aims to ensure the project’s viability and successful execution.

Next Steps in the Construction Process

As the project moves closer to initiating construction, preparations are underway to produce a distinctive exterior curtain wall for the building, which is intended to complement the architectural landscape of downtown Shreveport. Construction is anticipated to commence around Labor Day as the state finalizes negotiations with Broadmoor LLC on the guaranteed maximum price.

Current employees at the state office located on Fairfield Avenue are advised to prepare for the transition by digitizing paper files, as the old file cabinets will not be relocated to the new facility. This change reflects a broader shift towards modernizing governmental operations in terms of efficiency and environmental considerations.

Community Impact and Development Goals

Support for the relocation of state operations into downtown Shreveport has been upheld by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which has advocated for this initiative since at least 2001. The DDA believes that this transition will yield long-lasting economic and civic advantages for the area, aligning with broader goals of revitalizing downtown Shreveport and enhancing public services.

In conclusion, as the Northwest Louisiana State Office project advances, the collaborative efforts among stakeholders and the community highlight a commitment to improving operational facilities while fostering economic growth in Shreveport.

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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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STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

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