By RICH DUPREE, Journal Contributor
Economic development is often discussed in terms of percentages and projections, but for the people of Rapides Parish, it is most felt in the revitalization of our neighborhoods. Whether it’s the backfilling of a long-vacant ‘big box’ store or the arrival of a brand-name restaurant locals have championed for years, these milestones represent more than just commerce—they represent community growth.
Today, we take a closer look at the latest economic activities that are making Cenla an increasingly attractive place to live, work, and do business.
Out with the old and in with the new! And for the Alexandria/Pineville area, there are a lot of new signs of new opportunities from name brands locals have longed for!
From Olive Garden opening Monday in Alexandria, to the signs of T.J. Maxx taking shape in the old Kmart in Pineville, long awaited and much anticipated national brands have finally made their way to Cenla.
Some buildings like the old Kmart in Pineville, have been waiting to be backfilled since 2016 – and even then, it was one of the few Kmarts still open in Louisiana.
Meanwhile, the butt of many standing jokes was “maybe it’s an Olive Garden” for just about any new restaurant pad being poured. Even in the real estate world, the question of whether Alexandria would ever get an Olive Garden, always brought a chuckle. Even when Johnny Carrinos closed last March after 20 years in that location, much of Cenla was still in disbelief that Olive Garden had purchased that site, would tear it completely down, and from the ashes would rise endless salad and breadsticks – but it did!!
T.J. Maxx is still a few months away in Pineville, but the popular home décor and brand name fashion outlet, has been in the works for years and backfills one of the most recognized empty boxes in Pineville.
Thankfully, both are here! It’s a good sign for the local economy and good for real estate agents who want to get the attention of other National site selectors and point to Cenla’s progress.
Could more be on the way? Is this a “sign” of things to come? Local leaders hope so. Economic Development specialists think so. And for consumers, they are lining up to be the first to cash out at their new favorite location.
Both Olive Garden and T.J. Maxx brings a lot of credibility to a local market that struggles to get some of the big box attention our neighboring big cities have. But in the end, if the locals stop coming after the newness wears off, we will be right back where we started – wishing for something new.