Multi-use development planned along new Crowley frontage road

A Lafayette-based company is planning construction of a multi-use development in Crowley tied to the construction of the Interstate 10 frontage road.
The 80-acre Grand View development will be located near Lisa and Cherokee drives on the western end of the planned frontage road, according to Roland “Rockie” Robin of Derek Development Corp.
“The reception on this thing has been really great,” Robin said. “Crowley seems to be hungry for something like this. I think we’ll be bringing a breath of fresh air to the area.”
Robin said he has already received commitments from two restaurants and “letters of intent” from two others. “Plus, we’ll have a couple of eateries — fast food restaurants — and I’m sure others will follow,” he said.
The retail phase of the development also will include a 17,500-square-foot shopping center anchored by an 8,000-square-foot Southland Engines store, according to Robin.
“We’ve also been contacted by a couple of large ‘box’ food stores — one regional and one national — interested in locating there,” Robin said. “We’ll have between 35,000 and 50,000 square feet of food once all is said and done.”
In addition to the smaller strip center and large shopping center in the retail phase, a 90-site residential subdivision is planned.
“It’s going to be a gated community with private entrance,” Robin said, adding that the community will include two large man-made lakes.
“We’ll have three different sized lots and prices will vary according to size and location,” he explained.
Also included in the development will be three car dealerships, a bank and several other regional and national retailers, according to Robin.
“With over $103B in investments across Louisiana, there’s no denying this is an exciting time in our state’s economy,” said Amy Thibodeaux, president and CEO of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce. “Crowley is certainly in a ‘sweet spot.’ We are right in the middle of all the action — being located between Lake Charles and Lafayette!
“Creating jobs and growing the local tax base is the foundation of economic development and this new project that centers around the I-10 service road will definitely be a game changer for our local economy by attracting new businesses and creating exciting opportunities for existing ones.
“The Crowley Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing to work with local officials and Derek Development as the service road and the area around it develops.”
Though the development is dependent upon the new frontage road, Robin said he doesn’t plan to wait until the road is completed to begin construction.
“As soon as we can get our heavy machinery and personnel in there we’re going to start,” he said.
The road project is scheduled to bid out in February. The last time it was advertised the bids all came in over budget.
“We’ve adjusted our budget upward and cut some of the ‘amenities’ out of the project,” Mayor Greg Jones said of the rebid effort.
“We feel like — whether you agree or not — the interstate is a lifeline to economic growth and the bigger your presence there, the better your chance of economic prosperity.”
Officials with OneAcadia agree.
“This service road is something that OneAcadia has really been pushing since our inception,” said Laurie Suire, executive director of the parishwide economic development coalition.
“We see this — the service road and the new development — as an economic gateway to the parish,” she said. “It will provide a new tax base and numerous job opportunities for the area.
“We are focused on helping to see the service road happen and working closely with Derek Development on this new venture
Robin said he understands road construction will start at the western end of the site and as soon as “there’s enough road for us to get in” he plans to start.
“We figure about six to eight months after the start on the road we’ll be able to start our project,” he added. “We probably won’t be ready to open when the road is opened for traffic, but it won’t be much longer after that.”
The road is projected to be completed by June 2016.
“This project is not a one-time expense,” Jones added. “This is something that will pay us back. It will definitely increase our tax base.
“Long-term, this is very good for us.”