Coke Plant transformed into wedding, event venue

The Coke Plant — a 1930s-era soda plant that initially served as the central hub for Coca-Cola glass bottle production — has been transformed into Bogalusa’s, first of its kind, wedding and events venue. Twenty-six-year-old entrepreneur James Brennan said its one of many properties he, along with the support of his family family plans to transform as part of revitalization efforts in the region.

Brennan opened the venue, which previously sat dormant for years, last month following a more than two-year renovation undertaking. The property was purchased by Brennan and his father, Bernie-owners of Blackstone Property Co. of Louisiana in December of 2020. Demo work on the dilapidated facility began immediately and reconstruction soon followed. The project took just over two years to complete.

The plant, located at 213 Shenandoah St., was operational until 1985. The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find many original features throughout the facility, including its trademark marquee. “My dad told me, ‘If you want something changed, change it,’”

Brennan said. “I’m fortunate enough to do so.”

The Franklinton High School graduate said he has worked with his father over the past five years, renovating rental properties throughout the city. In total, 16 fixer uppers have been given new life.

Brennan said when he bought The Coke Plant he didn’t know what to do with it initially — but knew he wanted to save it. From there, the idea of a wedding and events venue was created.

The renovation measures emphasize the building’s unique architectural significance to Bogalusa. It took two years and three months to get things operational. The venue features a 4,800-square-foot outdoor courtyard, 4,500-squarefoot reception hall, 1,700-squarefoot climate-controlled bottling room, bridal and groom suites, commercial kitchen, indoor and outdoor bars with state-of-the-art sound equipment, and a 500-person capacity.

“It was a labor of love,” Brennan said.

For more information on rates and availability, visit www.thecokeplant.com; their Facebook page, at The Coke Plant Wedding and Event Venue; or email at thecokeplant@ gmail.com.