Downtown restaurant development focus with potential police department space

PORT ALLEN — The city council unanimously approved accepting the donation of the historic D'Agostino Building from Future Port Allen LLC during a special meeting Wednesday, as the Phillips family stepped forward to preserve one of West Baton Rouge Parish's oldest structures for downtown revitalization.

The building, located at 110 North Jefferson, will primarily focus on attracting restaurants and commercial tenants to anchor downtown development, with potential for some police department use of the space.

From Preservation to Community Investment

Rawlston Phillips III, speaking on behalf of his family, explained how their 2017-2018 purchase evolved from historic preservation to community investment. The family initially bought the deteriorating building to prevent its demolition, but struggled to find viable commercial development options.

"We bought that building because we didn't want to see it come to the ground," Phillips told the council. "I've been immensely involved in the research and history of the building. It's one of the oldest buildings in the parish."

The turning point came when Community Development Director Rose Roche approached them about downtown development opportunities. Rather than pursue a traditional lease arrangement, the family chose donation.

"A member of our team said, I don't like the comfort of leasing to the city. We have so much other stuff involved with the city and other properties," Phillips recalled. "And I was like, what if we just donated it? Worst case scenario, we go propose the idea. If they don't like it, they don't like it."

Historic Significance

The building's history reflects Port Allen's commercial heritage as a Mississippi River trading center. Phillips emphasized its unique construction—originally built from materials transported brick by brick from river bank properties—representing 19th-century construction methods and commerce patterns.

Mrs. Mona D'Agostino Budden, the sole heir who sold the building to the Phillips family, was present at Wednesday's meeting. Older residents remember when the structure anchored downtown Port Allen's business district. The building's preservation maintains a tangible connection to that era.

"It's got a really cool history," Phillips said. "The fact that it was originally one of the banks of the Mississippi River, brick by brick, that to me deserved someone to step up as a community person and save the building."

Restaurant and Commercial Development Focus

The donation positions the historic building as a cornerstone for downtown restaurant and commercial development. Community Development Director Rose Roche emphasized the building's role in broader economic revitalization goals.

"We have a vision to redevelop our downtown, and I think this is one step toward our vision of what we would want to do and what we want to see in the future," Roche said.

The acquisition eliminates what could have been significant purchase costs, allowing the city to focus resources on renovation and tenant recruitment rather than property acquisition. The building's historic character and downtown location make it particularly attractive for restaurant operations seeking authentic architectural settings.

Potential Municipal Use

While restaurant and commercial development represents the primary focus, there is potential for the police department to utilize some space within the historic structure. This mixed-use approach could provide both downtown economic development and practical municipal benefits without compromising the building's commercial viability.

Funding Already Secured

The city has moved quickly to secure renovation funding for the project:

• State legislative funding designated specifically for roof improvements
• Cultural Recreation and Tourism discussions ongoing for additional building improvements
• Private partnerships being pursued for comprehensive renovation

Roche expressed confidence about the project timeline: "That's our dream to actually see this building within the next 18 to 24 months to be occupied."

What Happens Next

The formal donation process is now complete, with planning beginning immediately for the building's restaurant and commercial development. The city will coordinate tenant recruitment and renovation planning to ensure the building meets both commercial requirements and maintains its historical significance.

The 18-24 month timeline involves roof repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and interior modifications to accommodate restaurant operations and other commercial tenants. The project represents both practical downtown economic development and historic preservation—a dual benefit that could serve as a model for other downtown revitalization efforts.

The building's transformation from near-demolition to community asset demonstrates how public-private partnerships can preserve historical landmarks while spurring economic development in historic downtown areas.

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