“The neat thing about it is the one brand, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, will have complete, full kitchens.” Williams said. It’s designed for the extended-stay guest – if a person wants to stay in the area for business or lifestyle changes.

Built in 1924, the downtown YMCA is constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. It was designed by Clarence W. King and built for Shreveport entrepreneur Edward Jacobs, bearing a resemblance to Italy’s Villa Medici in Rome. Twin bell towers adorn the roof, which covers the triplearched entrance bordered by Corinthian columns.

He recalled meeting a graduate of the re-entry program on the streets of New Orleans. The man told Boone that his re-entry class had built a metal building from the ground up during the program. When the man was released, he moved to New Orleans, where a friend needed a metal building.

Tony Simpson, chief operations officer, said that phase one of the project is nearing completion. Phase one includes demolition, new walls, floors and floor joists, and a new roof. He said Wieland Construction, the contractor on the project, expects phase one to be complete in mid-November, barring any unforeseen delays.