The Kings Highway Corridor, a vital thoroughfare in our community, has been identified for significant upgrades to improve safety, transportation access, economic growth, and community connectivity. The Kings Highway Coalition, a group of community organizations, neighborhood groups, and institutions, aims to use public meetings to gather community input on proposed infrastructure improvements, economic development opportunities, and enhancements to the quality of life in the area that would be implemented starting in Spring of 2025.
“Kings Highway is one of Shreveport’s sorely under-recognized gems,” says Chris Lyon, founding member of ReForm Shreveport, one of the coalition’s partner organizations. “With even modest improvements to the roadway, traffic flows, and environmental and public amenities, this area would see a wave of interest and revitalization that could lift up all of the residents, businesses, and institutions in the area.”
Kings Highway Coalition Members
Coalition members currently include ReForm Shreveport, Centenary College of Louisiana, the Highland Neighborhood Association, Gladstone Area Partnership, The Highland Center, as well as individuals with architecture, public engagement, and policy backgrounds. The group hopes that this will expand to include any and all residents, businesses, property owners, and students who would benefit from positive changes to the area.
Coalition Meeting Details
Three meetings will be held this fall for the Kings Highway community to meet and learn about the opportunity to improve Kings Highway in both the short and long term, hear success stories of revitalization from across the American South, explore ideas for how to improve Kings, and participate in constructive exercises that will shape the future of the area.
Meeting Details:
- Saturday, September 28th, 10:00 a.m.-Noon at Centenary College’s Whited Room (2911 Centenary Blvd)
- Saturday, October 26th, 10:00 a.m.-Noon, First Presbyterian Church Gymnasium (900 Jordan Street)
- Saturday, November 16th, 10:00 a.m.-Noon at Centenary College’s Whited Room (2911 Centenary Blvd)
Meeting Topics
Topics to be discussed include:
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Improving roadways, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation facilities.
- Economic Development: Encouraging local business growth and attracting new investments.
- Community Connectivity: Creating spaces that foster community interaction and support local activities.
- Sustainability: Exploring environmental improvements such as tree cover to reduce heat, absorb vehicle emissions, methods for groundwater retention, and more.
The three meetings will produce ideas for two phases: 1) a short term improvement plan, aimed at low cost solutions for the area adjacent Centenary College from Holly St to Centenary Blvd with a target of implementation by spring of 2025 with local funds and 2) a long term plan with the goal of major improvements from Youree Drive to Line Avenue beginning in 2027 with the assistance of federal and state funding.
All are welcome, with a special invitation for those who are residents, businesses, institutions, organizations or property owners within the Kings Highway area.
To sign up for email updates, visit kingshwyproject.com
