A video that concluded the three-day Eunice Downtown Roadmap is now on youtube.
The video shares the presentation on renewing downtown in a greener version with eye-catching highlights built on previous works such as the Hannah Gumbo mural on Walnut Avenue and even the curvy 2nd Street that lends a unique character to downtown Eunice.
The presentation is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPcrbU0p2V4.
The presentation developed by Community Design Solutions at Gabrielle’s on May 30 was chock full of information about the opportunities for downtown Eunice.
Randy Wilson, president of Community Design Solutions, said Eunice’s curvy 2nd Street developed in the 1960s remains a progressive development. The vision keeps the turns, but proposes two-way traffic.
An overview of opportunities includes:
— Improve and increase parking efficiency in downtown while creating space for parks and amenity areas.
— Introduce a pop-up park and town gathering space.
— Landscape beautification and street tree planting.
The presentation included projections on market opportunities for the downtown based on a 20-minute drive time from Eunice. Within that area consumers spend $516.3 million and stores sell $522.2 million. Retail demand is projected to grow by $30.1 million by 2029.
— Opportunities presented include:
— Five-plus full-service restaurants.
— Three-plus specialty retailers or arts and crafts emporium.
— Four to five curated clothing, shoe, jewelry or accessory stores.
— Two or more bars, taprooms or breweries.
The study found median household income in Eunice in 2024 is $35,880, which is lower than the surrounding area and the state. Other income levels are: St. Landry Parish, $41,415; Evangeline Parish, $38,251; Acadia Parish, $48,762; Lafayette Parish, $63,803; and Louisiana, $57,227. The median household income in the 20-mile drive time from Eunice is $41,721.
