Commercial Progress Report

Making The Switch

Shared office space sponsored by The Opportunity Machine provides a collaborative work space for tech-creatives in the Hub City.

By Lisa Hanchey

For small start-ups and newly relocating companies, committing to a long-term lease is a major financial burden. Leave it to the well-oiled Opportunity Machine to come up with the perfect solution, The Switch, which has ignited downtown’s entrepreneurial scene. In just its first year of operation, over half of its desks are committed.

Downtown’s Early Head Start

UW’s new facility on Jefferson Street will give Lafayette’s under-served children a strong foundation for their education.

By Lisa Hanchey

Lafayette’s under-served kids are getting a head start where it’s most needed — right in downtown Lafayette. This month, United Way of Acadiana’s Early Learning Center’s first stand-alone facility is opening its doors at the former Lafayette Motors location on Jefferson Street. The center helps low-income women and children (birth to 36 months) engage in early learning opportunities. “We believe that if we can start early, then we will give every child an opportunity to be ready for school,” says Angela Mason Morrison, chief of community impact for United Way of Acadiana.

Oak Re-Bourne

New GM brings historic country club into the 21st century.
By Lisa Hanchey

Nestled in an oak grove adjacent to the airport is the stately Oakbourne Country Club. In its 57-year history, the clubhouse has undergone only two major updates, the last occurring 10 years ago. Now, under the helm of General Manager Tom Stewart, Oakbourne’s stodgy interior has been totally transformed with an inviting new look.

Festival International’s New Digs

With a prime location at the corner of Jefferson and Congress streets, FIL’s new headquarters has plenty of room for staff, performers and visitors.

By Lisa Hanchey

This year, the staff of Festival International de Louisiane will celebrate the organization’s 26th year from a new location. Since its inception in 1986, Festival has grown from a quaint celebration of South Louisiana’s French cultural heritage to the largest outdoor free Francophone event in the U.S.
Until recently, the hard-working staff was crammed into a 750-square-foot area in the old City Hall building at the corner of Jefferson and Lee streets. That all changed when FIL moved down to 735 Jefferson St., and into a spacious 3,685-square-foot area.

Hot Properties

Van Eaton & Romero’s commercial sales manager assesses the landscape.

By Lisa Hanchey
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dewitt “Zeen” David, commercial sales manager of Van Eaton & Romero, makes a habit of driving off the beaten path to see for himself what kind of commercial activity is going on.