Urban core revitalization is a central pillar of One Acadiana’s Vibrant Acadiana initiative, recognizing that a vibrant urban core helps the region compete for business investment and professional talent.
Through our Urban Revitalization & Development (URD) Committee, One Acadiana convenes leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to discuss the projects and initiatives shaping Lafayette’s urban core.
This summer, committee discussions focused on the University Gateway Economic Development District’s Strategic Action Plan, the redevelopment of the former Northgate Mall, and reinvestment along Jefferson Boulevard, with meetings held on site at The Hub and The Wilyard.
June 23 Meeting: Input on the University Gateway Strategic Action Plan
The committee’s July meeting was moved up to June 23 so members could take part in a stakeholder session for the University Gateway Economic Development District (EDD) Strategic Action Plan.
The consultant team of HR&A Advisors, with Bleu Echelon and Jack & Associates, led a discussion on corridor conditions, market potential, business growth, redevelopment priorities, and implementation strategies along the University Avenue corridor. The plan will guide how the district uses its resources to support investment and redevelopment over the next several years, and input gathered during the session will help inform the project team’s recommendations.
Learn more about Lafayette’s economic development districts >>
August Meeting: Elevate North Lafayette and The Hub
In August, the committee met at The Hub, the former Northgate Mall, for a discussion on redevelopment in North Lafayette, followed by a tour of the property.
Mandi Mitchell, President & CEO of LEDA, presented an overview of Elevate North Lafayette, an initiative to build local capacity for redevelopment and reinvestment in North Lafayette. Mitchell said the initiative grew out of a One Acadiana trip to EntreCon in Pensacola, where she first heard from incremental developer Monte Anderson. LEDA later engaged Anderson and his firm, Neighborhood Evolution, to help launch the effort in Lafayette.
Jacoby Landry, owner of The Hub, shared how Elevate North Lafayette helped lead to his purchase and redevelopment of the former Northgate Mall. After connecting with Anderson through the initiative, Landry chose to pursue Northgate, where the former Planet Fitness space became home to his gym, Xtreme Health Club, alongside a med spa. The gym is already expanding, and Landry described his vision for The Hub as a mixed-use destination for the surrounding community.
September Meeting: Reinvestment Along Jefferson Boulevard
The committee’s September meeting was held at The Wilyard in the Sterling Grove Historic District. The building was constructed in 1941 as a chapel by an all-Black battalion at Camp Claiborne and relocated to Lafayette in 1947, where it became Davidson Memorial Methodist Church. Ravi Daggula of Belle Vie Hospitality, Nicole Theyard, and Scott Chappuis of Moliere Chappuis Architects shared an overview of the building’s renovation into a wedding and event venue, and members toured the venue following the meeting.
The committee also heard from a panel on Jefferson Market & Deli, a neighborhood grocery store under development in the former Jefferson Pharmacy building near Pontiac Point. Heather Blanchard, President & CEO of United Way of Acadiana, described the project’s roots in United Way’s work on food access in North Lafayette. Sam Viator of Castle Row, the project’s developer, and Bradley Cruice and Craig Biddy of Amis Grocery, who will operate the store, shared plans for everyday groceries, fresh food, and prepared options. Alex Lazard of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority reviewed the partners supporting the project’s financing. The store is expected to open in early 2027.
Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux also shared an update on additional redevelopment around the Simcoe Triangle, including the Jefferson Boulevard streetscape project, which he noted is fully funded in LCG’s newly adopted budget.
Read more about Jefferson Market & Deli >>
Looking Ahead
The URD Committee will not meet in October. Instead, we invite committee members to join us for An Expert’s Perspective with Dr. Loren Scott on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The committee will reconvene in November.
One Acadiana members are invited to participate in the URD Committee. To get involved, contact andre@oneacadiana.org.