The pavilion is expected to be complete in September

Caddo Common is nearly complete. After 10 years of imagining, designing, funding and "making," the UNcommon urban park reopens this fall. Caddo Common is located at 869 Texas Ave. at the center of Shreveport Common, a neighborhood and community creative placemaking revitalization project.

The Mike McSwain-designed outdoor performance pavilion is emerging as a crown among crowns. The size, placement and design fit perfectly at the park's southern edge, accentuating the surrounding historic buildings. The pavilion comprises two small buildings for equipment, restrooms and a greenroom. The open, pretzel-shaped top has a drop ceiling for performers.

The Art Bosque Food Truck Court, located on Texas Avenue, is open. The 20-foot-tall Artistrees are a popular selfie spot. Sunlit by day and LED-lit by night, they create a brilliant canopy for the newly installed AARP table sets. The food truck hookups are "ready for business." Across the street in the historic 800 block of Texas are mixed-use properties with lofts. Two spaces are for sale/lease.

Expect a big grand opening of the pavilion this fall, followed by planned and pop-up performances by area artists and arts organizations. Meanwhile, a fun and games team is commissioning table-top and largescale games for "play"" after the opening.

You don't have to wait to enjoy Caddo Common. While the construction zone temporarily limits some access, walking paths are open for strolls through the Louisiana gardens. The purple vitex near Providence House are extra-large this year, and the butterfly irises are beautiful. Neighbors are enjoying the soft grass and rolling terrain.

It is hard to believe that, for decades, eight lots formed an unused triangle of concrete slabs. By 2013, the parcels were acquired and painted green by artists to imagine a park, and SRAC hosted regular events while public and private funding was raised. In 2019, the Phase I Greenspace opened. By 2020, Covid-related delays slowed but did not stop the Phase II construction and programming. In a few months, Caddo Common will fully open with programming and fun for all to enjoy.

See how Caddo Common park and the surrounding area have changed. Then, imagine all it will be, because it is, coming soon.