Gretna recently celebrated the groundbreaking of AM Plaza, a $4.4 million owner-occupied commercial project at 1411 Claire Ave. This development replaces a vacant lot with a 14,400-square-foot retail and office building, providing expanded space for the August Moon restaurant and Hoang Law Firm.
The project involves key local entities, including financing support from JEDCO and OnPath Credit Union. The development will house a 12,000-square-foot August Moon restaurant, nearly doubling its current workforce from 18 to about 30 employees, and a 2,400-square-foot office for Hoang Law Firm. Construction is expected to finish in 2027.
Situated on a 75,250-square-foot site, AM Plaza will include 99 parking spaces, catering to increased customer and business traffic. This move represents a strategic investment in Jefferson Parish, encouraging retention and growth of small businesses by shifting from leased to owner-occupied real estate setups.
This development signifies confidence in the Westbank retail market, transforming underutilized land into a valuable community asset. The use of SBA 504 financing highlights a viable path for other small businesses aiming to anchor their operations in personally owned spaces.
As construction progresses, stakeholders are optimistic about the economic benefits, positioning AM Plaza as a catalyst for further commercial activity and investment in the region.
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