On Monday, February 10, 2025, Mayor Nic Hunter and City officials joined together on I-10 North Beach for a groundbreaking ceremony on two major enhancement projects, and to unveil a brand-new Lakefront Lake Charles branding initiative.
Two new permanent restroom structures were one project included in the groundbreaking ceremony. These structures will replace restrooms that were damaged beyond repair in Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020.
As a resiliency feature, the new structures will be raised to City and FEMA flood elevation requirements. The facilities will feature more modern restrooms with ADA accessible ramps and will meet all other ADA accessibility requirements. Outdoor showers will also be included as part of the project. City staff will have the ability to secure the restrooms when the beach is closed to the public.
The project is expected to get underway this month. Weather permitting, the restrooms are expected to be complete in September of this year. The construction is being funded through the City’s capital projects budget and FEMA reimbursements. Randy M. Goodloe, AIA APAC is serving as the project’s architect and Gunter Construction, Inc won the bid for the construction work.
A second project getting underway includes lighting upgrades along the beach. The existing light poles have been sanded and painted, and new fixtures are expected to arrive and be installed in early to mid-April. These modern light fixtures will replace existing damaged structures and are being funded through City funds and from a private donation from Westlake Chemical. Westlake Chemical has consistently participated in beach clean ups over the years.
Additionally, the City unveiled its new Lakefront Lake Charles brand as part of today’s groundbreakings. A new website, https://lakefrontatlakecharles.com, is now live and features an overview of all current lakefront assets, a rundown of projects in development and economic development incentives available for interested developers. The website will allow locals and visitors to learn more about lakefront amenities such as Port Wonder, Crying Eagle, the refurbished parking garage, Cypress Alligator Pond, North Beach, Veterans Memorial Park, Lake Charles Event Center, Millennium Park, and more.
A new website landing page for Port Wonder was also announced. The website, www.portwonder.org, gives visitors a simple way to connect with the new lakefront destination set to open soon. Once complete, it will house a state-of-the-art Children’s Museum and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Nature Center.
“This is an exciting day for our lakefront and for our community,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “With Port Wonder nearing completion, Crying Eagle Lakefront construction well underway, and the recent announcement of a lakefront hotel and brand-new amphitheater, we have a lot to celebrate and look forward to. We are changing the face of our City’s welcome sign to the rest of the world. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally there.”
For more information or the latest City of Lake Charles news, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com or follow www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana and @lccityhall on Instagram.