Press Release
May 26, 2016
Contact: Liz Swaine, Executive Director
Downtown Development Authority
Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation
318-222-7403
Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC) Wins State Award
The Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC) has been named the winner of the statewide Historic Preservation Heritage Award for their successful efforts in saving and utilizing historic properties in downtown Shreveport. The award was presented to DSDC by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge and shortly afterward, the organization was recognized on the floor of the Louisiana House of Representatives by Rep. Cedric Glover and members of the NW Louisiana House delegation.
Lt. Governor Nungesser pointed to the multiple historic buildings directly purchased and restored by DSDC which include: 708-710 Texas St. (artspace), 617-619 Texas Street (Robinson Film Center), 416 Cotton Street (DDA office), and 1215 Texas Avenue (Streetscape facility). In addition are the many buildings put back into commerce due to DSDC’s low-interest revolving loan program, façade and structural grants which include but are not limited to: 214 Texas St.- Norsworthy Gallery, the entire 400 block of Lake Street, 605 Texas St.- 4 J’s Java and More, 1010 Marshall- Thrash Construction, 801 Crockett St.- Kallenberg Artist Tower, 806 Louisiana St. and others.)
“The DSDC board continues to make it happen,” says DSDC executive director Liz Swaine. “They have been willing to take big risks on properties, but the returns to downtown and the community have been big in return. The DSDC funded projects in the 600 and 700 blocks of Texas Street when it was NOT the place to be, but just look at what is happening there now. They have been willing to think in the long term knowing that improvements to our downtown are not quick fixes but take time, money and continued effort on their part.”
Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation is a 501©4 non-profit organization made up of board members Kevin Bryan, Alberto ‘Junior’ Cantu, Newt Dorsett, John Hubbard, Larry LaBorde, Conway Link, Jeri Little, Greg Lott, Kathy Malone (President), Don Razinsky and Jim Van Hook.
In winning the award, DSDC is acknowledged by the State of Louisiana as successfully leveraging assets to provide greater cultural value.
“We would add that by leveraging assets, DSDC has also created greater economic value for the region. Every building DSDC has touched is now creating jobs, opportunities, quality of life and revenue,” says Swaine. “DSDC initiated a model that others now follow and the upshot is an increasing vibrant and exciting city center.”
-END-
