GONZALES, La. (BRPROUD) — Several new projects are currently underway for the City of Gonzales in order to keep up with the high influx of people coming to the area.
The multi-million dollar projects are all happening inside the growing development of Heritage Crossing.
Gonzales resident Rachel Alayyadhi has lived in the area for several years and has noticed more buildings around the area. She said that with more buildings, Gonzales is becoming more noticeable.
“I feel like I blinked and it was just up and running,” said Alayyadhi. “Most things were building in Baton Rouge, and now they’re moving out and making Gonzales really great.”
One of the more exciting projects for the city is Price LeBlanc P.A.C.E. Center. A $10 million dollar investment funded by Price LeBlanc and other donors from Washington D.C. The new facility will be used as a conference and entertainment center.
Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux said the new center is 60% complete. Arceneaux said his call volume for bookings has increased substantially within the last week. Several large groups have booked the facility for Mardi Gras balls and dance recitals.
“Numerous things that will take place right here,” said Arceneaux. “It not only offers the locals, but people that are coming out of town.”
Around the new P.A.C.E. Center are several more projects within the Heritage Crossing plaza. Construction is underway on building a new 300-unit apartment complex.
The plaza is also excited to offer a new Alexander’s Grocery store.
Arceneaux said three new roundabouts are planned for better traffic flow with the hope that the project will be completed early next year.
Arceneaux asked people living in the area to be patient for now.
“Please understand there will be some traffic tie-ups for quite some time now,” said Arceneaux.
One local business owner in the Heritage Crossings is Allison Woodfield, the owner of Louisiana Casual Living. She said the development has been a positive impact on her business.
“We were over by Cabelas for about five years and it was good traffic,” said Woodfield. “It was a great spot but people didn’t find us. Now over here, they can find us. We got great visibility.”
Officials call the area “A city within a City”. Woodfield said people having all their needs in one area makes it much easier.
“It’s just an easy location to get to. You don’t have to fight the traffic on Airline,” said Woodfield.
The Price LeBlanc P.A.C.E. Center is expected to be completed by the middle of December.
