Whole Foods, Burlington Coat Factory Coming To Lafayette, LA

I'm super excited to hear that we will be getting a Whole Foods here in Acadiana. It's also cool to know we will also be getting a Burlington Coat Factory, but the thing I am MOST excited about is that FINALLY the area that is known to most as "the old Super K-Mart on Ambassador" will finally be occupied, getting rid of the eyesore that has plagued Lafayette for years now. Not to mention, the jobs that will be available when these stores open, plus the businesses that will open up around these chains.

Check out the official announcement from City-Parish President Joey Durel:

We are happy to announce the redevelopment of the former Super K-mart building. This project signals the entry of two high-demand brands to the market and will undoubtedly encourage additional development in the area," Durel said. "I would like to thank Louisiana DOTD and our local team, LCG Directors and LEDA, for their efforts to attract these high caliber businesses to the property.”

The building, which was built in 1994, has been vacant since 2003.

“It is exciting to have this large commercial site placed back into commerce. This development marks the beginning of a renewal for this urban location,” says Gregg Gothreaux, Lafayette Economic Development Authority President and CEO.  “LEDA is grateful to the brokers, these companies, LaDOTD and Lafayette Consolidated Government for facilitating this project. The economic impact of these businesses and the resulting jobs will be significant for our community.”

Burlington Coat Factory is a national department store retail chain which offers current, high quality, designer merchandise at discount prices. Burlington stores feature coats, apparel, shoes, accessories, baby clothes, furniture, toys, home decor items and gifts. Over 450 stores can be found in 44 states nationwide.

Whole Foods Market is a national retailer of high-quality natural and organic products. The original Whole Foods Market opened in 1980 with a staff of 19 people in Austin. The company now has 58,000 team members working in 300 stores in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and the U.K.

To help facilitate access management at this high-traffic location, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has agreed to transfer its control of Ridge Road from Ambassador Caffery Parkway to the roundabout at Rue du Belier to LCG. This intergovernmental agreement will require approval of the Lafayette City-Parish Council. President Durel has submitted an ordinance to the council authorizing this agreement.

[via: The Ind]