Reimagining Suburban Spaces
By: Kerry Frey, Architect / Urban Planner
The recently completed Evangeline Corridor Forward plan is a transformative vision for revitalizing Lafayette’s neighborhoods impacted by decades of disinvestment and physical divides created by the Evangeline Thruway. As part of this initiative, eight catalyst sites were identified to reconnect communities and foster equitable growth. One of these sites, the Parkway Plaza shopping center, offers a case study in suburban retrofit—a process of reimagining underutilized suburban spaces to support vibrant, walkable, and diverse communities.
A New Vision for Parkway Plaza
The Parkway Plaza redevelopment envisions transforming a sprawling parking lot into a dynamic mixed-use center that fosters connection and opportunity. The new design proposes:
- 152,000 square feet of new development, including mixed-use retail, offices, and small-scale commercial spaces.
- 85 new housing units, offering a range of options to accommodate diverse needs.
- 1 acre of public open space, designed to be accessible and welcoming for all community members.
- A transit plaza at the center, creating a hub for mobility and community services such as mobile health units and food trucks.
- A complete street with wide sidewalks, street trees, and on-street parking, prioritizing pedestrians and creating an inviting public realm.
This vision not only reimagines Parkway Plaza as a vibrant, walkable destination but also strengthens its ties to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Challenging Assumptions About Suburban Sprawl
It’s easy to envision smart growth principles when planning new developments. However, we often assume that existing suburban sprawl is fixed—that once an area has been developed, its story is written. Projects like Parkway Plaza challenge this notion, demonstrating the importance of proactively addressing suburban sprawl within our urban cores.
By reimagining and transforming underutilized areas, we can correct inefficiencies, reconnect neighborhoods, and create opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth. This approach not only makes better use of existing spaces but also enhances the quality of life for current community members, ensuring our urban environments evolve to meet modern needs while respecting their unique context.
Why It Matters
The potential impact of this redevelopment is significant:
- Economic Growth: An estimated $8 million in annual revenue from new retail and commercial spaces, 213 construction jobs, and 66 permanent jobs contributing $3 million in labor income.
- Tax Revenue: A projected sixfold increase in annual City and Parish property tax revenue, amounting to $62,000 annually.
- Community Benefits: A design that prioritizes inclusion, inviting neighbors and visitors alike to utilize the new public spaces and amenities.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
The Parkway Plaza project exemplifies the transformative potential of suburban retrofit, turning underutilized spaces into thriving, community-focused environments. By redeveloping this site, we address critical urban challenges:
- Optimizing Land Use: Making better use of existing land by increasing housing density and diversifying uses.
- Enhancing Walkability and Connectivity: Creating environments where people can live, work, and gather within walking distance, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
- Fostering Equity and Inclusion: Designing public spaces that are open and welcoming to everyone, encouraging a sense of belonging and community pride.
This redevelopment provides much-needed housing and economic opportunities while demonstrating how thoughtful urban design can reconnect neighborhoods and revitalize underperforming spaces. By taking bold steps to rethink previously developed areas, we can correct the inefficiencies of suburban sprawl and create a more sustainable, inclusive future for our cities.