The former Rubenstein Department Store located in the 500 block of Milam Street is getting a new look thanks to Leeson Real Estate Investment Firm.
On Tuesday, Shreveport officials introduced the new plans for this historic building.
“Today is a big day for us,” said Adrian Perkins, Mayor of Shreveport. “Many of our buildings downtown stood vacant for so long, way too many years. We cannot have that kind of lightning downtown.”
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These two buildings will be renovated and converted into 36 Class A market rate units; 12 will be short-term rentals.
“This building is going to go from being a blight to being a revenue generating building for downtown,” said LeVette Fuller, Shreveport City Councilwoman.
The Rubenstein Department Store is comprised of two buildings named the Lanford Building and Rubenstein Building. The Lanford Building was constructed in 1907, and Rubenstein was constructed in 1915.
“For more than 35 years, two historic buildings have sat empty, devoid of life; creating no jobs, opportunities and no real tax base,” said Liz Swaine, Executive Director of Downtown Development Authority. “All that ended today. The 107- year old Rubenstein’s Building and the 115-year old Lanford Building, 513-519 Milam Street in downtown Shreveport, were recently purchased by developer Isaiah Lee of Leeson Real Estate Investment Firm.”
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The Rubenstein Department Store was opened in 1927 and was closed 60 years later in 1987. The new owner of Rubenstein, Isaiah Lee said, “I keep hearing, many stories I wasn’t even aware till after I bought the building. My adopted grandmother worked here back in the ’60s.”
The renovated building will include a small ballroom for event rentals, an area for paid self-storage, first-floor office space, retail and restaurant space.
Leeson’s first goal is to get the leaking roofs on the buildings repaired to prevent further damage.
“It’s super exciting to see a young local developer who’s very passionate about the city wanting to do something that’s big,” said LeVette.
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Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Rubenstein Department Store is getting a new look. Here’s what you need to know