Equine center focal point of destination development plan

There are 13 active industrial projects under way in St. Landry Parish and perhaps the “big” one among them is a proposed destination development on Interstate 49 at the southern reach of Opelousas.
St. Landry Economic Development Director Bill Rodier briefed the Rotary Club this month about the $20 million multi-purpose center that would be the anchor for a 300-acre complex shops, hotels, restaurants and perhaps an upscale residential development. There are a total of 700 acres in the project zone.
SLED already has an agreement to accept 60 donation of 60 acres at the site, near I-49 and Guilbeau Road, and the two major owners of the rest of the tract have agreed to work on a coordinated master plan to develop the remainder, Rodier said.
A master plan is being developed by a private firm.
Meanwhile, Rodier and his board are working toward getting a capital improvement proposal into the state pipeline for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
Rodier said contract negotiations are in progress with retailers who would occupy acreage on the east side.
The centerpiece of the development will be center primarily aimed at the equine industry, though it will be multi-purpose with a variety of uses possible.
Research indicates, he said, the potential of a $100 million economic impact with 100,000 visitors annually.