February 20, 2026
The Mural as a Movement
The mural will stand as a vibrant addition to the district. But just as important is the quiet generosity that surrounded it.
June 19, 2019
Downtown Lafayette is Rising
New developments and progress coming to Downtown Lafayette
On the eve of the Downtown Rising concert, Anita Begnaud, CEO of the Downtown Development Authority, gives her take on the future of Downtown Lafayette.
Downtown Lafayette is where the people of Acadiana gather. Not to big, not to small, it offers restaurants, bars, live music, and culture with a little something for everyone. With increasing demand for commercial and residential developments, Downtown is growing. 200 residential units are currently in the plans for Downtown, and new residents offer endless possibilities for retail and commercial investments.
Thank you Keaty Real Estate for the inspiring video content.
Evangeline Hotel Possibilities
The 90 year-old Evangeline Hotel building currently serves as apartments for elderly citizens of Lafayette. Owned by the Lafayette Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (LNEDC), the historic building is a former hotel that has hosted Elvis Presley and past presidents. The board of LNEDC recently announced plans to redevelop the property in a two-part strategy. First, they plan to build a new facility for current residents, then renovate the Evangeline Hotel property to meet the needs of a growing Downtown.
LNEDC has formed an advisory committee, comprised of real estate professionals, developers, bankers, and other stakeholders from the Downtown community. The advisory committee will consult and aid in the process of renovating the historic property and decide what the best possible use for the building is. The project is still in its earliest phases, but it is an example of the enthusiasm surrounding our rising Downtown.
February 18, 2026
Care in Contagious: How the Ambassador Program Changes How We See (and Treat) Downtown
The Ambassador program started as a practical step to maintain our downtown, but it has quickly become something more. It is a catalyst for civic pride and collective care.
January 26, 2026
Beyond the Wall: How Public Art Creates Place
If you can envision it, you can build it. If you can dream it, you can paint it. And when that dream is shared between artists, institutions, and the public, it becomes part of the city’s story.
January 21, 2026
Walkability Is More Than a Sidewalk
Walkability is a term often coined like an achievement, something a city either has or does not. In reality, it is a process. And when done well, it requires patience, listening, and thoughtful design.
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December 12, 2025
Improvements underway at downtown Lafayette's Parc International. See List of Upgrades
Improvements are underway at downtown Lafayette's Parc International, which serves as a main venue for Festival International, the city's largest festival that draws thousands every April.
November 8, 2025
Volunteers bring ‘Downtown in Bloom’ to life in Lafayette
Downtown Lafayette looked — and smelled — a little fresher Saturday morning as volunteers gathered for 'Downtown in Bloom,' a local beautification event.
November 4, 2025
The Children's Museum of Acadiana is getting a facelift from a Lafayette muralist
The Children's Museum of Acadiana in downtown Lafayette will get a major facelift from muralist Dirk Guidry.
