Dick’s Sporting Goods to Open at Oakwood Center

(Terrytown, La) – District One Councilman Ricky Templet, in conjunction with the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and Oakwood Center is pleased to welcome Dick’s Sporting Goods to Oakwood Center in Terrytown. The national retailer is set to be the anchor tenant of the shopping center’s fourth wing, occupying 43,000 square feet of that space.

Not only has Jefferson Parish attracted a new anchor to the mall, but also the acquisition of the national sporting goods store will lead to the restoration of the only dormant wing at Oakwood Center. The multi-million dollar project will reopen approximately 105,000 square feet of leasable area at the mall.

Oakwood Center is a 952,000 square foot mall. With a close proximity to the Crescent City Connection, downtown New Orleans and the east bank of the Mississippi River, the regional shopping center serves as a major gateway to West Bank neighborhoods. Oakwood Center shut down in September 2005 after being severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina. Three of the center’s four wings reopened in October 2007. The fourth remained closed.

The restoration project will reopen the fourth wing, creating new jobs, sales tax revenues and entrepreneurial opportunities in Jefferson Parish. Consultants anticipate the project will produce 150 construction jobs and more than 270 direct jobs. Construction is set to begin January 2013.

“The revitalization of the fourth wing at Oakwood Center has been a long time coming,” says Councilman Ricky Templet. “The Parish Council has worked tirelessly with our economic development organization to bring an anchor tenant to the mall, which will breathe new life into the shopping center and surrounding areas. We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting restoration project.”

“This is an economic win for Jefferson Parish,” says JEDCO Deputy Director Jerry Bologna. “The attraction of Dick’s Sporting Goods to Oakwood Center signifies the bright future of the mall and surrounding community. JEDCO is proud to have played a role in working with the council to bring the national retailer to the West Bank.”

Parish President John Young added, “I want to commend Councilman Templet on the efforts both he and JEDCO made to bring Dick’s Sporting Goods to Oakwood Center. Bringing a national retailer of this caliber is indicative of the continued efforts of our community and economic leaders to make all of Jefferson Parish the ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.”