More Funding Approved for State Office Building in Downtown

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer

Plans for the new Northwest Louisiana State Office Building in downtown Shreveport have advanced, with officials approving additional funding and clearing administrative hurdles to move the project forward.

At a recent board meeting, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Office Facilities Corporation (OFC) approved several measures to support the redevelopment of the former Joe D. Waggonner Federal Building. Glenn Frazier, Director of the Office of State Buildings, was authorized to sign an Encroachment Agreement with the City of Shreveport, enabling development activities on the site.

The project's financial backing has been increased, with the OFC approving $75 million in lease revenue bonds and $30.5 million in OFC cash. The budget adjustments include:

$1.7 million for tariff-related cost impacts
$1.4 million to build out the 8th floor
$900,000 to install a sprinkler system in the parking garage
$221,000 for commissioning services

These adjustments result in a net total budget increase of approximately $4.2 million.

The state is finalizing negotiations on a Guaranteed Maximum Price with Construction Manager at Risk, Broadmoor LLC. Once the agreement is finalized, Phase 2 of construction is expected to begin around Labor Day.

The DDA has supported the relocation of state operations into downtown Shreveport since at least 2001 and views this project as a significant investment that will bring hundreds of daily workers into the area, potentially generating long-term economic and civic benefits for the community.