The Daily Dig
Vertical construction is underway on The Francis, a multifamily development with 5 stories and 251 apartments on the former Kmart site at Elmwood Center in Elmwood, Louisiana. The project is on track for completion in spring 2028.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 30, 2026. Developer Lauricella Land Company, partners Felicity Property Co. and Setpoint Ventures, and builder RNGD joined the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and other parish officials for the event.
RNGD is building the project, with LRK serving as architect and Parallel leading interior design.
Attention, Shoppers
The development turns a long underused retail property into a residential community in the heart of Jefferson Parish’s largest commercial district. Residents will be within walking distance of Elmwood’s shops, restaurants and employers.
Apartments will have one or two bedrooms, with open layouts and modern finishes.
Amenities include a central courtyard with a resort-style pool and landscaped green space. Residents also get a fitness center, coworking and creative spaces, a library, a dog walk and other gathering areas.
“Turning a vacant commercial site into a dynamic residential community requires disciplined coordination and a high standard of execution across every phase of construction,” said Wesley J. Palmisano, RNGD Founder and CEO. “Our team and trade partners are proud to help bring the next chapter of Elmwood Center to life.”
Shovels and Spreadsheets
Hancock Whitney Bank is providing project financing. JEDCO worked with the Jefferson Parish Council and the development team on economic incentives, including a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) structure.
The development team estimates the project will generate about $3 million in permitting fees and building material sales tax revenue during construction. They also expect it to support more than 200 construction and permanent jobs combined.
Lauricella Land Company is also planning an expansion of 70,000 square feet for Elmwood Center’s retail and dining options, right next to The Francis.
Snapshot:
Project: The Francis
Location: Former Kmart site, Elmwood Center, Elmwood, LA (Jefferson Parish)
Sector: Multifamily residential
Scope: 5 stories, 251 apartments (one and two bedrooms)
Developer: Lauricella Land Company
Partners: Felicity Property Co., Setpoint Ventures
Builder: RNGD
Architect: LRK
Interior Design: Parallel
Financing: Hancock Whitney Bank
Incentives: PILOT structure, via JEDCO, Jefferson Parish Council and the development team
Amenities: Central courtyard with resort-style pool and landscaped green space, fitness center, coworking and creative spaces, resident library, dog walk, community gathering areas
Groundbreaking: September 30, 2026
Status: Vertical construction underway (as of October 1, 2026)
Completion: Spring 2028
Estimated Public Revenue During Construction: About $3 million in permitting fees and building material sales tax
Estimated Jobs: More than 200 combined (construction and permanent)
Adjacent Plans: 70,000 sq. ft. retail and dining expansion at Elmwood Center (planned, no timeline given)
Namesake: Francis “Hank” Lauricella, New Orleans businessman, developer and public servant; represented Jefferson Parish for more than three decades in the Louisiana House and State Senate; University of Tennessee All-American; 1951 Heisman Trophy runner-up; College Football Hall of Fame and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee
TheJobWalk Thoughts
A September groundbreaking and a spring 2028 finish give this job about a year and a half. On central courtyard buildings, the pool and landscaping often come late, since access stays tight until the structure closes in. Pool and landscape subs likely still have time to get on RNGD’s radar.
A named lender and a PILOT incentive at groundbreaking are good signs. Neither guarantees payment, so subs should still vet terms before signing.
The 70,000 square feet of retail planned next door has no timeline yet. Keep an eye on it.
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