Louisiana Army National Guard Breaks Ground on Lafayette Readiness Center
The Louisiana Army National Guard held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 8, 2025 for the new Readiness Center in Lafayette. Located on West Congress Street, this sustainably designed 83,943 sq, ft. facility will be highly energy-efficient, constructed from highly resilient, low maintenance materials. The project is expected to achieve LEED Silver Certification. It will serve as the headquarters of the 256th Infantry Brigade, housing roughly 200 Soldiers.
The design complements other new readiness centers designed by H/S such as the new Lake Charles Readiness Center, bringing in traditional elements of military construction and design while integrating modern technology. Officials stated the new facility will substantially improve readiness for soldiers and units that operate in the Lafayette area.
During the groundbreaking, Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana stated: “I joined this unit 37 years ago in the old armory by Surrey Street. I mobilized twice to go to war with that unit, and we made do with what we had, but having a brand-new facility right here is just unbelievable.”
The Lafayette Readiness Center is expected to be completed in about 20 months. The 256th Brigade are currently housed at the readiness center on Surrey Street, which has been around for more than 50 years.
FEATURED STORIES
Holly & Smith Architects Named Medium Business of the Year by Tangipahoa Chamber
January 28, 2025Holly & Smith Architects (H/S) is proud to announce its recognition as Medium Business of the Year at the 2025 Tangipahoa Chamber Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon. This prestigious honor celebrates the firm’s longstanding commitment to excellence in design, innovation,......
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held for New Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center in Lake Charles
October 21, 2024The Louisiana National Guard celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Readiness Center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles today, marking a significant milestone for the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment. The new 60,391-square-foot facility, owned by the State of......
Holly & Smith Architects to lead St. Louis Cathedral renovation | Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (prcno.org)
October 16, 2024Over the last year, Holly & Smith Architects has had the privilege of serving the Catholic Community Foundation, as well as the Archdiocese of New Orleans, in providing a study for the historic St. Louis Cathedral. The goal of this......
UL Lafayette Breaks Ground on New Engineering Building
August 6, 2024Holly & Smith Architects, in joint venture with The Sellers Group, is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new Engineering Building. This 64,700-square-foot facility is designed to meet the needs of UL Lafayette’s expanding......
LSU Barnes Ogden Art and Design Complex, Kentwood Library Branch, and Stoa Group Headquarters each win at the AIA Baton Rouge Rose Awards Gala
July 17, 2024On Thursday, April 25th, AIA Baton Rouge held its annual Rose Awards Gala at The Water Campus, celebrating outstanding design projects in various categories. The H/S team was thrilled to receive the Gold Rose Award for LSU Barnes Ogden Art and......
Southeastern Louisiana University breaks ground on new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center at D. Vickers Hall
November 16, 2023In a momentous ceremony attended by Good Morning America Co-Anchor Robin Roberts, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, and representatives from Southeastern Louisiana University, the official groundbreaking for the Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center and the $40 million renovation of D. Vickers Hall......
Holly & Smith Architects opens new office in Lafayette
June 21, 2022Allons a Lafayette…The Heart of Acadiana! Holly & Smith Architects is returning to its roots! We are thrilled to announce that the firm has expanded to southwest Louisiana with a new office in Lafayette. Around 40 years ago, both H/S......