Former Mayor and State Representative Cedric Glover Voices Concerns Over Design Changes in Shreveport’s New State Building Renovation Project

SHREVEPORT, LA – Renovation Process and Budget Cuts for the Former Joe D. Waggoner Building

The Louisiana State Office building embarked on a renovation project for the former Joe D. Waggoner building over a year ago. As the construction work advanced, successive budget reductions caused a wave of design modifications in the building project. The leaders in charge of the project implemented numerous changes to it, prompting community responses and discussions.

Former Mayor Cedric Glover’s Insight on the Project

Cedric Glover, a former Mayor and Louisiana State Representative with significant interest in the project, has voiced his views on the state of affairs. He insists that despite these vast alterations, the vision for the building should forge ahead. Glover perceives the existing structure as a potential asset for the community.

“This situation, because of the abandoned building that still has a solid ground under it— that foundation and a solid steel frame to build upon. It gives us a chance to be able to construct the kind of state building that would end up being a definite asset to our community,” Glover reflected.

The New Downtown State Office Building’s Changes

Design alterations to the formerly anticipated remarkable state building have prompted some criticisms, with accusations of “downgrading and diminishing” the structure’s potential in the name of “value engineering.” An expression of such criticism was published on Glover’s social media page on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Continuation of Meetings and the Project’s Timeline

Meetings concerning the state office building are set to be ongoing, ensuring consistent discussions and public involvement. Additionally, sources close to the project maintain that the initiative is progressing according to the decided timeline.

Repercussions on the Shreveport Community

The renovation and repurposing of the Joe D. Waggoner building into a state-of-the-art state office is expected to bring significant enhancements to Shreveport. The project aims not only to refurbish a former architectural marvel but also to boost local economic development and create employment opportunities.

Conclusion

The future of the former Joe D. Waggoner building in Shreveport remains an intriguing watch, with the evolving project narrative showing glimpses of the city’s architectural grandeur fused with the urgent need for infrastructural development. While budget cuts have necessitated specific design changes, the underlying intent to convert this structure into a valuable community asset remains undeterred, echoing the sentiments of former Mayor and Louisiana State Representative Cedric Glover.