LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Plans for the re-development of Lafayette’s Oil Center are nearly complete. 

The Oil Center was established in 1951. It’s been the hub of the oil industry in Lafayette ever since.
Now, business owners there say it’s time to shape the area’s future. 

“The plans are done. It’s only plans, but the plans are complete. It’s really something like a guidebook,” said Geoff Dyer, CEO for Downtown Development Authority.

With almost 4 years of  collaboration between the Downtown Development Authority, One Acadiana, and Oil Center Stakeholders, plans to re-develop the Hub City staple, could soon be underway.

“So you look at somebody like the hospital there and some other industries in the Oil Center, to attract new talent. A lot of that talent wants to live near work, and the Oil Center has a lot of character, and a lot of opportunity for that to take place,” said Dyer.

It’s a strategic plan for the next 5-10 years for moving the Oil Center into the next generation, or the ‘Oil Center 2.0’ as Dyer called it. 

“We are helping to diversify the economy, but the second thing is creating more destinations, and more places for people to go, in particular more urban places,” said Dyer.

Holly Walker owns Lafayette Moms and Babies, the store just moved to the Oil Center a few weeks ago. 

“I would love more restaurants but I definitely love the small town, small business environment that the Oil Center brings. All these places that you can see the owners walking around in their business, it really gives you a good feel. I’d love to see that stay in the Oil Center,” said Walker.

And the owner of Good Eats Kitchen, says the possible increase in visitors and housing, could ultimately help his business.

“From a retail perspective, foot traffic is king, so if the Oil Center shifts to a more pedestrian style development, everyone’s going to be walking right? So to have more people walk by on a regular basis, would be tremendous for us,” said Boyer Derise, owner of Good Eats Kitchen. 

No word on when construction could begin, or when it wil lbe complete.
As these are just plans, and bids still have to be given out to the city.