Lake Charles is a city with a rich heritage, vibrant culture, and a promising future. As the region evolves, striking the right balance between honoring its history and embracing innovation has become a central theme in the city’s development.

This balance is not just about preserving historical landmarks or introducing modern architecture—it’s about ensuring that Lake Charles grows in a way that respects its roots while creating opportunities for its residents and businesses.

Honoring the Past: Preserving Lake Charles’ History

Lake Charles is steeped in history, with its downtown area featuring historic homes, charming architecture, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of the city’s evolution. As new developments emerge, there is a concerted effort to preserve this history, ensuring that the city’s character remains intact.

Many revitalization projects in Lake Charles are focused on restoring older buildings and repurposing them for modern use. These adaptive reuse projects breathe new life into historic structures, transforming them into vibrant spaces for businesses, restaurants, and cultural hubs while retaining their architectural charm. By preserving these elements, Lake Charles maintains a connection to its past, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

Embracing Innovation: Building for the Future

At the same time, Lake Charles is embracing innovation through modern developments designed to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic population. From cutting-edge commercial spaces to sustainable infrastructure projects, the city is positioning itself as a hub for progress and opportunity.

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of new developments in Lake Charles. Developers are incorporating green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and eco-friendly materials into their projects, ensuring that the city’s growth is both forward-thinking and environmentally responsible. This focus on sustainability appeals to modern businesses and consumers and contributes to the community’s long-term health and vitality.

Technological advancements are also playing a significant role in shaping the city’s development. Smart building designs, enhanced connectivity, and innovative urban planning are transforming Lake Charles into a city ready to compete on a global scale. These advancements attract businesses and investors while offering residents a higher quality of life.

Creating Opportunities: Economic Growth and Community Impact

Development in Lake Charles is about more than just buildings; it’s about creating opportunities for the community. New commercial spaces bring jobs, attract businesses, and drive economic growth, while residential developments provide much-needed housing options for a growing population.

Additionally, mixed-use developments are fostering a sense of community by combining retail, residential, and recreational spaces. These vibrant hubs encourage local businesses to thrive while giving residents places to connect and engage. The gaming industry, industrial expansions, and growth in the LNG sector further contribute to this economic momentum, making Lake Charles a center of opportunity in Southwest Louisiana.

Finding the Balance

As Lake Charles continues to grow, the balance between history and innovation remains crucial. By preserving the past while embracing the future, the city is creating a development model that respects its roots, supports its people, and fosters sustainable progress. This thoughtful approach ensures that Lake Charles will remain a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.

With its unique combination of cultural heritage and forward-thinking development, Lake Charles is setting an example of how cities can evolve without losing their identity, proving that growth and reservation can go hand in hand.

Lake Charles, known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, is undergoing a commercial transformation that is reshaping the retail landscape.

As the city grows, new commercial developments are driving a revitalization of retail spaces, offering residents and visitors an array of fresh, modern shopping options. These developments are not just about increasing retail spaces but are fundamentally redefining the shopping experience in Lake Charles, blending convenience, community, and innovation to meet the demands of a changing consumer base.

The Shift Toward Mixed-Use Developments

One of the biggest trends influencing the retail market in Lake Charles is the rise of mixed-use developments. These projects integrate retail, residential, and office spaces into one cohesive environment, creating vibrant hubs where people can shop, work, and live. This trend reflects a growing demand for convenience and accessibility as consumers increasingly seek out destinations where they can accomplish multiple tasks in one location.

Mixed-use developments provide a dynamic alternative to traditional shopping centers, which were often standalone retail-only spaces. Instead, these new developments foster a sense of community by lending retail with entertainment and lifestyle amenities.

Several such projects are in the works in Lake Charles, offering new retail opportunities alongside residential and commercial spaces. These environments appeal to both businesses and consumers, creating high-traffic areas where retailers can thrive.

Reimagining the Shopping Experience

Lake Charles retailers recognize the need to adapt to modern consumer preferences, which prioritize experience and convenience. With the rise of e-commerce, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are evolving, focusing more on offering unique in-person experiences that cannot be replicated online. This shift drives innovation in store design and layout, with many retailers opting for smaller, more flexible spaces catering to specific customer needs.

New commercial developments in Lake Charles are capitalizing on this trend by offering retail spaces designed with versatility in mind. Whether it’s pop-up shops, interactive displays, or experiential retail environments, these spaces allow businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer preferences. For consumers, this means more engaging and personalized shopping experiences, encouraging them to explore new products and brands in a more interactive way.

The Rise of Specialty and Boutique Retail

As part of the retail revitalization, Lake Charles is also seeing a growing demand for specialty and boutique shops. These smaller, independent retailers offer a curated selection of goods that cater to niche markets, from locally made products to unique fashion and home décor. Boutique retail spaces often provide a more personalized shopping experience, which appeals to consumers looking for unique and high-quality items.

Lake Charles’ new commercial developments support this trend by offering smaller retail spaces ideal for boutique businesses. This shift not only gives local entrepreneurs more opportunities to establish themselves but also adds to the overall diversity and vibrancy of the city’s retail scene. As more boutique and specialty shops open their doors, Lake Charles is becoming a destination for shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind finds.

Impact on the Local Economy

The retail revitalization in Lake Charles is not just about offering more shopping options—it’s also about driving economic growth. New commercial developments are attracting both national and local retailers, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. As more businesses set up shop, the increased foot traffic benefits surrounding areas, helping revitalize neighborhoods and create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Moreover, these developments are positioning Lake Charles as a retail destination, drawing visitors from across Southwest Louisiana and beyond. This influx of shoppers supports other sectors of the local economy, including hospitality, restaurants, and entertainment, further contributing to the city’s economic vitality.

Conclusion

The retail landscape in Lake Charles is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by new commercial developments that are redefining the shopping experience. The rise of mixed-use developments, the emphasis on experiential retail, and the growth of boutique and specialty stores are all reshaping how residents and visitors engage with retail spaces in the city. As these trends unfold, Lake Charles is poised to become a vibrant hub for shopping, community, and commerce, with a revitalized retail scene that supports local businesses and the broader economy.

Lake Charles, the heart of Southwest Louisiana, is experiencing a surge in commercial development. At the forefront of this growth is Redd Properties LLC, a powerhouse in the local real estate market. With a focus on mid to large-scale projects, Redd Properties is not just participating in the city’s expansion – it’s actively shaping its future.

The Power of Scale

Mid to large-scale projects are more than just larger versions of small developments. They require a unique set of skills, resources, and vision. Redd Properties specializes in these complex undertakings, bringing expertise that spans from initial strategy to final construction.

Critical aspects of large-scale project management include:

  • Comprehensive market analysis
  • Strategic site selection
  • Complex financial planning
  • Coordination of multiple stakeholders
  • Long-term vision for community impact

Driving Economic Growth

Large projects don’t just change the skyline – they boost the entire local economy. When Redd Properties takes on a significant development, the benefits ripple throughout Lake Charles:

  1. Job Creation: From construction workers to permanent staff in new facilities,
    large projects mean more jobs.
  2. Increased Tax Revenue: New commercial developments expand the local tax
    base, funding city improvements.
  3. Attracting New Businesses: Major projects can draw additional companies to
    the area, further fueling growth.
  4. Infrastructure Improvements: Large developments often lead to upgrades in
    roads, utilities, and other public infrastructure.

The Redd Properties Approach

What sets Redd Properties apart in handling these impactful projects?

  • Full-Service Capability: From site acquisition to project management, Redd Properties offers end-to-end solutions.
  • Local Expertise: Deep understanding of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana market dynamics.
  • Multidisciplinary Team: Bringing together experts in real estate, construction, finance, and more.
  • Build-to-Suit Specialization: Creating custom solutions for specific business needs.
  • Advisory Services: Guiding clients through every step of the development process.

Case Studies in Growth

While respecting client confidentiality, we can highlight some ways Redd Properties has
contributed to Lake Charles’ development:

  • Industrial Expansion: Facilitating the growth of the region’s vital industrial sector.
  • Commercial Centers: Developing retail and office spaces that become community hubs.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Supporting the expansion of medical services in the area.
  • Hospitality Projects: Boosting tourism infrastructure to support the local economy.

Looking to the Future

Lake Charles is poised for continued growth, and Redd Properties is ready to lead the way. By focusing in mid to large-scale projects, we’re not just building structures – we’re building the future of Southwest Louisiana.

Whether you’re a business looking to expand, an investor seeking opportunities, or a community leader interested in economic development, Redd Properties has the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Ready to be part of Lake Charles’ growth story? Contact Redd Properties today to explore how we can turn your big ideas into reality. Together, we’re not just developing properties – we’re developing a thriving, vibrant Lake Charles for generations to come.

Lake Charles, long celebrated for its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, is now emerging as a focal point for commercial real estate development in Southwest Louisiana. The city’s growth is driven by several key trends that are transforming the local landscape and positioning Lake Charles as a dynamic hub for business and investment. As we look to the future, these trends offer a glimpse into the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the city and its commercial real estate market.

1. Rise of Mixed-Use Developments

One of the most notable trends in Lake Charles is the rise of mixed-use developments. These projects are designed to integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into a single, cohesive environment. As Lake Charles continues to grow, the demand for versatile spaces that cater to a variety of needs has increased. Mixed-use developments offer a solution by creating vibrant, self-contained communities where people can live, work, and play without needing to travel far.

In Lake Charles, several mixed-use projects are already in the works, blending retail spaces with residential units, office spaces, and entertainment venues. These developments not only cater to the needs of the city’s growing population but also attract businesses looking to establish themselves in dynamic, high-traffic areas. By fostering a sense of community and convenience, mixed-use developments are setting the stage for the future of urban living in Lake Charles.

2. Focus on Sustainability and Green Building

As environmental concerns become increasingly important, sustainability has become a major driving force in commercial real estate. In Lake Charles, this trend is evident in the growing number of green buildings and sustainable developments. Developers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly practices into their projects, such as using energy-efficient materials, implementing water conservation measures, and integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels.

This focus on sustainability is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s also about appealing to a more environmentally conscious market. Businesses and consumers alike are seeking out spaces that align with their values, and sustainable buildings are becoming a key factor in commercial real estate decisions. In Lake Charles, this trend is helping to shape a more sustainable future, with commercial developments that not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance the quality of life for residents and workers.

3. Revitalization of Downtown Areas

Lake Charles is experiencing a renaissance in its downtown areas, with efforts to revitalize and redevelop key commercial districts. The focus is on preserving the city’s historic charm while introducing modern amenities and spaces that cater to today’s businesses and consumers. This revitalization has led to a surge in demand for commercial properties in downtown Lake Charles, as businesses look to capitalize on the area’s increasing foot traffic and vibrant atmosphere.

Restoration projects are breathing new life into historic buildings, transforming them into trendy offices, retail spaces, and restaurants. At the same time, new developments are filling in the gaps, creating a seamless blend of old and new. This downtown revival is attracting a diverse mix of businesses, from tech startups to boutique shops, all eager to be part of Lake Charles’ evolving commercial scene.

4. Growth in Industrial, Logistics, LNG, and Gaming Real Estate

As Lake Charles continues to establish itself as a key player in the regional economy, the city has witnessed significant growth across several sectors, driving demand for industrial, logistics, LNG, and gaming real estate. The city’s strategic location, with access to major transportation routes, waterways, and ports, makes it a prime hub for manufacturing, distribution, and trade. Over the past few years, there has been a surge in demand for industrial spaces such as warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities as businesses leverage Lake Charles’ logistical advantages.

One of the major contributors to this demand is the booming LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry. Southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles, has become a critical player in the global LNG market, serving as a key export hub for U.S.-produced natural gas. Several large-scale LNG projects in the region are driving an unprecedented need for industrial real estate, both for production facilities and the infrastructure that supports them, including storage, transportation, and supply chain management. These projects have attracted international attention, bringing substantial investments and creating
long-term demand for industrial spaces to support this high-growth sector.

In addition to LNG, Lake Charles’ gaming market has become a powerful driver of the local economy. With several high-profile casinos and resorts, the city has evolved into a premier destination for gaming and entertainment, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. The gaming industry’s success has created ripple effects across commercial real estate, with growing demand for retail spaces, hotels, entertainment venues, and hospitality services. Developers are increasingly investing in mixed-use projects that integrate commercial, hospitality, and entertainment offerings to cater to the expanding needs of this lucrative market.

The thriving industrial and petrochemical industries continue to be another cornerstone of Lake Charles’ economy. The expansion of the petrochemical sector, which has deep roots in the region, has driven a substantial demand for both industrial and logistics real estate. Companies involved in manufacturing and refining are seeking space to house operations and store materials, while logistics firms look to establish warehouses and distribution centers to support the supply chains that keep these industries running smoothly.

The convergence of these sectors—industrial, logistics, LNG, petrochemical, and gaming—has created a diverse commercial real estate landscape that is both dynamic and resilient. As Lake Charles grows and attracts further investments from these industries, the city’s commercial real estate market is positioned for long-term expansion. This growth is not only supporting the local economy but is also attracting
national and international interest, making Lake Charles a vital part of the Southwest Louisiana business ecosystem.

Media Contact: Gary Marsh 415.999.3793 or gary@marshmarketing.com

Lake Charles, LA – April 27, 2020: Redd Properties Principal Matt Redd, CCIM, CRE, SIOR, announced today that he has represented Profile Sanford in a retail lease at Lake Charles Marketplace in Lake Charles.

Located at 4740 Nelson Road, the shopping center is anchored by Kroger. Other tenants include Starbucks, Nothing Bundt Cakes, an AT&T store, a nail salon and more. Profile Sanford leased a little over 2,000 square feet in suite 130 of the shopping center. Tenant improvements have been completed and the business plans to open soon.

It is the first Lake Charles franchise for the Profile Sanford, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based franchisor that opened its first store in 2012 and now has over 400 stores in all 48-lower states.

The weight loss and health coaching program was developed by doctors and researchers at Sanford Health. The nutrition plan is based on ketogenic principles, or a low-carb, protein-focused diet with moderate sugar (including fruits), alcohol, processed foods and fats. The “Keto” diet is proven to burn fat in humans and facilitates weight loss. Profile sells food – mostly protein bars and shakes plus packaged meals, beverages and desserts. There is an annual membership that includes weekly, in-store meetings with a certified Profile Coach who helps members stay disciplined with their plans. Profile’s core principles are nutrition, activity and lifestyle, believing that diets alone do not work to maintain proper body weight.

NAI Sioux Falls Senior Vice President and Managing Director Gregg Brown, MBA, SIOR, referred Profile Sanford to Matt Redd, who identified the location and negotiated the lease locally on behalf of Profile Sanford. Redd operates Redd Properties, a diverse commercial real estate services company, and is also the Lake Charles broker affiliate with NAI Latter & Blum, which booked the lease. Gregg Brown is the Master Broker for Profile Sanford and has facilitated all of the company’s leases during its expansion. The company plans to have over 500 U.S. locations.

About Profile Sanford

Recently making its debut on the 2019 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Ranking at No. 164, Profile Sanford provides nutrition, activity and lifestyle coaching to help members lose weight and keep it off. Profile was developed by physicians and researchers at Sanford Health to take the guesswork out of healthy lifestyle change. The Profile Plan is completely personalized to each member and is implemented through one-on-one coaching to deliver sustained results. With its own line of DNA testing, smart scale technology and more than 80 signature food options, Profile helps members actively engaged in the program achieve an average 12 percent weight loss in just 12 weeks, with continued success thereafter. Diets don’t work. Profile does. For more information, visit https://www.profileplan.com/. For more information about available franchise opportunities, visit https://www.profileplan.com/franchise/.

About Redd Properties

Redd Properties LLC is an independent commercial real estate, multidisciplinary firm with expertise in mid-to-large-scale projects and other developments, build-to-suit construction, project advisory and consulting services, brokerage and transaction management services.

From project strategy and site acquisition to assembling and managing project teams, Redd Properties is the leading full-service commercial property company serving Lake Charles and the greater Southwest Louisiana MSA. Additionally, company Principal Matt Redd is the Lake Charles affiliate of NAI Latter & Blum for brokerage services in his markets.

About NAI Global

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with 6,000 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.15 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com or www.naiglobalnewslink.com.

Media Contact: Gary Marsh 415.999.3793 or gary@marshmarketing.com

Principal Matt Redd, CCIM, CRE, SIOR, announced today that his firm has completed a lease assignment of a 7,000-square-foot industrial property on 2.5 acres with KAEFER, the Germany-based, international provider of technical services in marine & offshore construction. The lease was completed by NAI Latter & Blum (Lake Charles office), an affiliate of NAI Global, and Matt Redd was the only broker involved.

The property and building, located at 1024 Ravia Road near S. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur, LA, is owned by a local investor. The MSA population for the area is approximately 200,000 and Sulphur is located in Calcasieu Parish.

Redd Properties facilitated and managed the speculative development of the building, which was recently completed. Tenant improvements for KAEFER are underway and the tenant has already occupied the building. The project architect was Jeff Kudla of Kudla Architecture, LLC.

According to Redd, KAEFER formerly occupied an industrial property in New Iberia, LA, and moved those operations to Sulphur after KAEFER won a contract to work on a new LNG plant in the area that is under construction.

More than $187.9 billion in industrial construction projects have been announced in Louisiana since 2012, based on figures tracked by economist and consultant Loren Scott. Work has commenced on about $72 billion of those projects, many of which are petrochemical related (as published in The Advocate in Baton Rouge 9.2, 2019). Handling and storage of liquid nitrogen requires thermal insulation, a type of insulation in which KAEFER is a global market leader.

About KAEFER: https://www.kaefer.com/

About Redd Properties

Redd Properties LLC is an independent commercial real estate, multidisciplinary firm with expertise in mid-to-large-scale projects and other developments, build-to-suit construction, project advisory and consulting services, brokerage and transaction management services.

From project strategy and site acquisition to assembling and managing project teams, Redd Properties is the leading full-service commercial property company serving Lake Charles and the greater Southwest Louisiana MSA. Additionally, company principal Matt Redd remains the Lake Charles affiliate of NAI Latter & Blum for brokerage services in his markets.

About NAI Global

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with 6,000 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.15 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com or www.naiglobalnewslink.com.

What We Do

Redd Properties LLC is an independent commercial real estate, multidisciplinary firm with expertise in mid-to-large,-scale projects and other developments, build-to-suit construction, project advisory and consulting services, brokerage and transaction management services.

Learn About Our Services +