Places & Faces
Just Imagine Building a Better Future: SWLA A Look Back at 2024 This year was filled with milestones for the Just Imagine SWLA master plan, from prestigious awards to tangible progress on key projects. Here’s a look at the work done this year: AWARD-WINNING PLAN
Just Imagine SWLA, a 50-year resilience master plan for Southwest Louisiana, received the prestigious CNU Charter Award in Urban Design at the 32nd annual Congress for the New Urbanism in Cincinnati in late May. Recognized for its visionary approach, the plan integrates community input and partnerships to drive 11 catalytic projects across Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, focusing on housing, infrastructure, economic development, community planning, natural and cultural resources. A team from Lake Charles attended the conference to accept the award. During that visit, the group attended several presentations and went on both guided and self-guided tours to understand best practices from other communities and bring proven and implementable ideas back to Southwest Louisiana.
MURAL UNVEILED AT INAUGURAL NELLIE FEST
The inaugural Nellie Fest in early April celebrated Lake Charles’ jazz icon Nellie Lutcher, bringing the community together with live performances by Jairus Daigle, Street Side Jazz Band, and Leah Nicole, alongside food trucks and local vendors at the newly constructed Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park. The event unveiled a vibrant mural by artists Thaddaeus Arvie and John Whaley, Jr., honoring Lutcher’s legacy. Funded by a $15,000 grant from Tellurian Inc. and the Leadership Southwest Class of 2022, the park and its activities showcase Lake Charles’ commitment to progress, inclusivity, and cultural celebration. Later in the year, the community gathered at the park to celebrate Lutcher’s birthday. 58
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • December 2024
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SPENDS WEEK IN SWLA
Just Imagine SWLA, in partnership with the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA), celebrated a week of progress in July centered on the Bayou Greenbelt project, part of a broader effort to promote outdoor recreation, conservation, and resilience in Southwest Louisiana. Highlights included presentations on ecotourism opportunities, unveiling a new kayak launch at Riverside Park, and the introduction of "Big Little Projects"—community-driven initiatives to enhance natural spaces and strengthen ties. The events showcased the power of collaboration, proving that even small efforts can create lasting impact.
RESILIENT HOUSING FOR LAKE CHARLES: A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD BY PROJECT BUILD A FUTURE In September, Project Build A Future, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing homeownership opportunities in North Lake Charles, broke ground on a new resilient neighborhood near Fitzenreiter Road, across from Combre-Fondel Elementary. Slated for construction starting February 2025, this neighborhood will showcase resilient housing techniques, featuring homes designed to withstand severe storms as part of the Resilient Housing Toolkit.
MARDI GRAS MUSEUM BREAKS GROUND In October, the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu officially broke ground on its new 6,000-square-foot home in the historic Nellie Lutcher District. This project marks another major step toward revitalizing this historic area. Developments like this fuel the vision for a more vibrant, connected and walkable community, enhancing local businesses and cultural tourism. The museum is slated to open in late 2025.
The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu has launched a unique way for the community to help fund its new, expanded interior displays. These displays will feature stunning carnival costumes and preserve the rich Mardi Gras traditions of Southwest Louisiana. You can show your support by purchasing a personalized brick or tile at mardigrasmuseum.org, which will become a lasting tribute in the museum’s lush, landscaped courtyard.
MID-CITY GROUNDBREAKING AND DEMOLITION BEGINS In early November, the community celebrated the groundbreaking of Mid-City Lofts and the start of demolition for the former Lloyd Oaks public housing project, marking a major milestone in the Mid-City Choice Neighborhoods redevelopment plan. This transformative project, led by HRI Communities and Integrand, includes funding from a $40 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Grant and contributions from partners like First Horizon and Hope Federal Credit Union. Officials, including Mayor Nic Hunter and Lake Charles Housing Authority’s Ben Taylor, highlighted the project’s potential to boost affordable, resilient housing, enhance infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for residents. The $18 million Mid-City Lofts will bring 46 disasterresilient, energy-efficient apartments to the area, with construction set for completion in late 2025. This first phase of the broader plan will pave the way for 562 mixed-income housing units, new parks, improved walkability, and a range of community-focused amenities. As 2024 wraps up on a high note, we eagerly anticipate even greater achievements in 2025.