By JIM BUTLER

Here and there … 

Bank building update 

Recent death of the owner of the former Capital One Building at 3rd & Murray Streets raises anew questions about its role in future downtown development.

Darryl David Smith, 64, died in late June. A resident of Covington at the time, he was most familiarly known from years as a developer while living in Hammond, where he also owned another historic bank building.

His ownership firm apparently owed Alexandria upwards of $35,000 in utility charges when the building was abandoned two years ago.

Unconfirmed but repeatedly heard is that a prospective local buyer of the 10-story structure that began as Guaranty Bank more than a century ago is working on purchase details.

GAEDA appointment

One of two vacancies on the GAEDA governing board will be filled Tuesday.

According to the City Council agenda, District 4 councilwoman Lizzie Felter is nominating Kristen Lemoine.

Each of the seven council members has an at-will appointment to the economic development panel.

Lemoine will bring to six the seats filled. District 5 Councilman Chuck Fowler’s most recent nominee, Rod Noles, resigned in May before the ink was dry on his commission.

Martin Center complete

The Martin Family ROM Student Success Center at LSU Alexandria is essentially complete with acceptance pending. 

The almost-$12 million facility will enhance student support services and create dedicated space for academic resources and student engagement, according to school officials. 

Lining the ponds

Bids will be received through August 11 for pond liner improvements at the Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery near Forest Hill. 

The 30-year-old facility is the largest of the state’s four freshwater fish species hatcheries. 

LDWF has not been in consult with US Fish & Wildlife or other Washington sources regarding liner replacement procedures. 

---